Edison Eaton Fire Compensation Offers Pass $1 Billion as November 30 Claim Deadline Approaches

ALTADENA, CA | October 1, 2026

Southern California Edison says it has now offered more than $1 billion through its Eaton Fire compensation program, while survivors who have not yet submitted a claim face a November 30 deadline.

Southern California Edison announced October 1 that more than 15,300 individuals, families, trusts and other entities have sought compensation through its voluntary Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program.

Nearly 7,200 claimants have received compensation offers totaling more than $1 billion.

Nearly 80% of those offers have been accepted, while only about 2% have been declined.

More than 3,850 claimants have already been paid a combined total exceeding $535 million.

THE NUMBERS AS OF OCTOBER 1

15,300+: Individuals, families, trusts and entities seeking compensation.

Nearly 7,200: Claimants who have received offers.

$1 billion+: Total compensation offered.

Nearly 80%: Offers accepted.

$535 million+: Already paid to more than 3,850 claimants.

November 30 Is the Claim Submission Deadline

NOVEMBER 30, 2026

Southern California Edison says eligible community members must submit a claim through the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program by November 30.

But that does not mean the entire claim must be resolved by November 30.

SCE says claims received by the deadline will continue through validation, review and preparation of an offer even when those steps occur after November 30, provided claimants remain responsive to requests for information and other communications concerning their claim.

IMPORTANT DISTINCTION

Submitting a claim does not mean accepting a settlement.

SCE explicitly states that submitting a claim, receiving an offer and evaluating an offer do not waive a claimant's rights.

Survivors can therefore learn what the program may offer before deciding whether to accept it.

What Is Edison Actually Paying?

SCE also released new information showing how payments vary depending on the type and severity of loss.

HOMEOWNER TOTAL LOSS

Average combined recovery: $1,952,940

Average Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program payment: $873,881

Average available insurance payment: $1,079,059

TENANT SMOKE AND ASH DAMAGE

Average program payment: $62,068

These are averages reported by Southern California Edison and should not be interpreted as estimates or guarantees for any individual Eaton Fire claim.

Some Total-Loss Recoveries Are Much Larger

SCE says the highest combined recovery reported for a homeowner with a total loss through September was approximately $6.061 million.

That consisted of approximately $1.484 million through the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program and approximately $4.577 million in available insurance coverage.

At the other end of the program, SCE says the lowest payment to a qualifying tenant in Zone 2 with smoke and ash damage was $15,000.

What If You Think the Fast Pay Offer Is Too Low?

SCE says claimants who believe a Fast Pay offer does not adequately reflect their losses can request a Detailed Review.

More than 3% of claimants have chosen that option so far.

A claim must still be submitted by November 30 to preserve access to that option through the program.

How Quickly Are Offers Being Made?

Southern California Edison says it is currently delivering offers an average of 36 days after receiving a substantially complete claim.

More than 5,000 claims have been submitted so far, representing more than 15,300 individuals, trusts and legal entities.

Approximately 40% of the claims have been submitted by attorneys or authorized representatives.

The Program Is Voluntary

The Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program is an alternative to litigation, not a mandatory claims process.

Survivors are not required to participate.

Submitting a claim and receiving an offer do not waive a claimant's rights.

Accepting a settlement is different. Survivors should carefully review any settlement agreement and understand the legal rights being released before accepting compensation.

THE BOTTOM LINE FOR EATON FIRE SURVIVORS

More than $1 billion has now been offered.

More than $535 million has already been paid.

Nearly 80% of offers have been accepted.

Submitting a claim and evaluating an offer do not waive your rights.

You do not have to complete the entire process by November 30.

But if you want access to SCE's compensation program, the claim itself must be submitted by November 30, 2026.

Where SB 492 and Wildfire Liability Reform Stand

Our October 1 review found no newly enacted replacement or successor to SB 492 that creates an Eaton Fire damages cap or new liability shield for Southern California Edison.

We also found no newly enacted restriction eliminating insurers' existing subrogation rights for Eaton Fire losses.

The Legislature's September wildfire package did not include the utility liability cap that had generated significant concern among survivors.

The broader debate over California utility wildfire liability remains unresolved.

Altadena Talks Foundation will continue monitoring that issue along with SCE compensation, Eaton Fire litigation, insurer subrogation, FEMA assistance, insurance protections, housing and rebuilding.

Upcoming SCE Assistance Sessions

Southern California Edison has also announced additional sessions where community members can ask questions and receive assistance beginning a claim:

October 28 at 6 p.m.: Virtual session

November 12 at 6 p.m.: In-person session

November 19 at 6 p.m.: Virtual session

SCE lists its Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program assistance number as 888-912-8528.

Keep Hope Alive.

Altadena Talks Foundation
Eaton Fire Recovery Watch

---

Sources & References

Southern California Edison, October 1, 2026
Official announcement detailing the $1 billion compensation milestone, participation and payment statistics, November 30 deadline, average payments and upcoming assistance sessions.
Read Southern California Edison's October 1 announcement

Southern California Edison Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program
Official program information, eligibility requirements, claim submission instructions and detailed guidance in English and Spanish.
Visit the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program

This article provides general community information and is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice. Participation in Southern California Edison's Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program is voluntary. Compensation varies according to individual circumstances. Settlement decisions can affect legal rights. Survivors should carefully review all documents and consider independent professional advice before accepting a settlement.