Marking a milestone in the continued support of the greater Altadena community and its recovery from the Eaton Fire, Southern California Edison has offered more than $1 billion in compensation through its Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program. The voluntary program provides eligible community members with a fair, fast and certain alternative to litigation, offering a streamlined path to compensation that can be measured in weeks or months rather than years spent navigating legal proceedings and more extensive documentation requirements.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261001836695/en/

“Meaningful relief is reaching thousands of people as they move forward with their recovery,” said Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, SCE’s parent company. “The program is designed to provide a fair and fast path to compensation, and we remain committed to helping community members understand their options.”

More than 15,300 community members have already sought compensation directly from SCE through the program. For many participants, compensation through the program has helped provide financial stability and support rebuilding efforts as recovery continues.

“I didn’t think I qualified,” said Mary Bloebaum, a Pasadena homeowner whose property experienced smoke and ash damage from the Eaton Fire. “When I got my check, I was quite shocked. I’m very grateful because it has allowed me to get back to normalcy.”

“When I got the letter of compensation, I look at it, I turn around, I look at it again, and I think, ‘This is real, I’ll go ahead and agree.’ It is enough to help me with the rebuild, appliances, furniture — anything that I may end up needing,” said Wylda Cottrell, an Altadena resident of more than 30 years who lost her home in the wildfire and is now rebuilding.

“This settlement has allowed me to be at the home that is to be my forever home,” said Mary Jo Peterson, a longtime Altadena resident whose apartment was destroyed in the Eaton Fire.

Less than two months remain to submit a claim. Claims received by Nov. 30, 2026, will be reviewed and processed through completion, even if validation and offer generation continue beyond the submission deadline, provided claimants remain responsive to requests for information and communications related to their claim. Eligible community members who do not submit a claim by Nov. 30, 2026, will no longer have the opportunity to learn what compensation may be available to them through the streamlined program.

$1 Billion and Counting

Nearly 7,200 claimants have received compensation offers, totaling more than $1 billion. Nearly 80% of offers have been accepted, with more pending. Only about 2% of offers have been declined.

Community members who believe a Fast Pay offer does not adequately reflect their losses may request a Detailed Review, a step taken by more than 3% of claimants to date. Claims must be submitted by Nov. 30, 2026, to preserve this option.

Compensation amounts vary significantly based on the claim, from payments to renters with smoke and ash damage in Zone 2 of the Eligibility Area to larger payments for complex total losses. Available insurance also factors into certain compensation categories and payments from the program. Through September 2026:

  • Average total for homeowner with total loss: $1,952,940

    • Average payment through the program: $873,881

    • Average insurance payment: $1,079,059

  • Highest total for homeowner with total loss: about $6,061,000

    • Payment through the program: about $1,484,000

    • Available insurance coverage: about $4,577,000

  • Average payment for tenant with smoke and ash damage: $62,068

  • Lowest payment for tenant in Zone 2 with smoke and ash damage: $15,000

Submitting a claim, receiving an offer and evaluating that offer do not waive a claimant’s rights. On average, SCE delivers offers 36 days after receiving a substantially complete claim. To submit a claim and access detailed guidance in English and Spanish, visit the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program web page. One-on-one assistance is available in multiple languages by phone or in person, from start to finish. Call 888-912-8528 to get started.

As of Oct. 1, 2026:

  • More than 5,000 claims submitted, consisting of over 15,300 individuals, trusts and legal entities, with 40% submitted by attorneys or authorized representatives.

  • Nearly 2,900 offers extended to almost 7,200 claimants, totaling more than $1 billion.

  • More than 3,850 claimants paid, totaling over $535 million, with many more in process.

Register for a Virtual or In-Person Session

SCE will host the following virtual and in-person sessions where community members can learn about the program, ask questions and receive help starting a claim:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6 p.m. (virtual)

  • Thursday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m. (in-person)

  • Thursday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m. (virtual)

About Southern California Edison

An Edison International (NYSE: EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of approximately 15 million via 5 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.

Media gallery

About The Author
Business Wire