The Eaton Fire compensation program has opened for residents and business owners affected by this year’s wildfire in the San Gabriel Valley. The initiative, launched by Southern California Edison, provides an alternative to litigation through a structured settlement process that promises fair and timely payments for verified losses.
Eaton Fire compensation designed for speed and fairness
Announced October 29, the program allows individuals and businesses to file claims for property loss, personal impacts, and economic damages linked to the 2025 Eaton Fire. The voluntary process, managed by Southern California Edison’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program, offers a pathway to resolution without court delays.
Pedro Pizarro, president and chief executive officer of Edison International, said the program was refined through community input. “We listened to more than a thousand voices and learned what matters most to those impacted by the Eaton Fire: clarity, fairness and speed,” Pizarro said. “This input helped SCE refine the program to respond directly to the community’s needs.”
The company held more than a dozen listening sessions with residents, public officials, and attorneys this fall to refine eligibility and documentation requirements. Among the major updates were expanded eligibility for smoke and ash damage, higher payments for families with children, and simpler paperwork for non-burn property claims.
RAND review supports Eaton Fire compensation process
To ensure fairness in the Eaton Fire compensation program, SCE worked with the nonprofit research organization RAND to independently assess the methods used to calculate property values. RAND’s report concluded the valuation model was “broadly appropriate” and “thoughtfully done and well executed.”
The utility also consulted Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille S. Biros, nationally recognized experts in compensation fund design. Both advised that the program prioritize transparency and compassion. Feinberg said it is “designed to be transparent, swift and sensitive to the needs of those affected.” Biros added that the goal is for participants to receive full compensation “without the delays, costs and uncertainties of litigation.”
Pizarro described the new approach as “more than a compensation program” and “a commitment to recovery.”
How to apply for Eaton Fire compensation
Residents and businesses can now submit claims for destroyed or damaged structures, business interruption, smoke or ash contamination, physical injury, and loss of life. Claims may be filed with or without an attorney, and those represented by legal counsel will receive an additional 10 percent to offset legal expenses.
Southern California Edison said complete applications will receive an offer within 90 days and payments within 30 days after final approval. The company emphasized that participation is voluntary and that claimants who reject offers may still pursue other legal options.
Community meetings have been scheduled to help residents understand the process. The first session will take place Saturday, November 1, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at John Muir High School, 1905 Lincoln Avenue in Pasadena. A virtual session will follow Wednesday, November 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Additional meetings are expected in the coming weeks.
Claims can be submitted through November 30, 2026, using a secure online portal at sce.com/directclaims. The full program protocol and RAND’s independent report are available at rand.org for public review.
The Eaton Fire burned through foothill communities north of Pasadena earlier this year, destroying or damaging hundreds of properties. With the Eaton Fire compensation program now open, Southern California Edison says it aims to deliver fast and fair payments that reflect community feedback gathered throughout recovery discussions.
