Southern California Edison is encouraging community members directly impacted by the Eaton Fire to be aware of key deadlines as they evaluate options for seeking compensation. The first is the Nov. 30, 2026, cutoff to submit a claim to SCE's voluntary Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program.
The program was designed to provide compensation in line with settlement values for similar claims in past wildfire lawsuits through a more streamlined approach. More than 16,250 individuals, trusts and legal entities have already submitted claims. Nearly $1.1 billion in compensation has been offered, with almost 80% of offers accepted and more pending. Claims submitted by Nov. 30 will continue to be reviewed and processed afterward, even if validation or preparation of an offer has not been completed.
“Every family and business is facing different circumstances as they navigate recovery,” said Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, SCE’s parent company. “We want community members to understand the program and be aware of the November 30 deadline as they consider what path is right for them.”
Understanding Key Deadlines
As community members consider how they wish to pursue compensation, many are weighing two distinct paths: participation in SCE's voluntary compensation program or litigation through the court system. The Nov. 30, 2026, deadline applies to submitting a claim to SCE’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program.
Separate legal deadlines may apply to lawsuits filed through the court system:
- For claims involving personal injury or wrongful death, California law generally provides a two-year statute of limitations. Depending on the circumstances, a deadline for these Eaton Fire-related lawsuits could be as early as Jan. 7, 2027.
- For those considering litigation solely for property damage, California law generally provides a three-year statute of limitations. Depending on the circumstances, a deadline for certain Eaton Fire-related property damage lawsuits could be as early as Jan. 7, 2028.
The information above is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Litigation timelines and outcomes can vary, and pursuing a claim through the court system may take years. Some claims from 2017 and 2018 fires, which involved significantly fewer plaintiffs than the Eaton Fire, are still pending today.
Through the Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program, resolutions — and compensation — can come much sooner. Offers and payments from the program are measured in weeks or months rather than years. To keep this option available, claims must be submitted by Nov. 30, 2026, and claimants must remain responsive to requests for information and communications related to their claim.
- Submitting a claim, receiving an offer and evaluating that offer do not waive a claimant’s rights.
- On average, offers are being delivered within 36 days following submission of a substantially complete claim.
- Payments are made within 30 days after all conditions in the settlement agreement have been satisfied, with many claimants receiving payment in as little as two to three weeks.
As of Oct. 20, 2026:
- More than 5,300 claims submitted, consisting of over 16,250 individuals, trusts and legal entities, with 41% submitted by attorneys or authorized representatives.
- More than 3,100 offers extended to over 7,700 claimants, totaling nearly $1.1 billion. Nearly 80% of offers have been accepted, with more pending. Only about 2% of offers have been declined.
- Nearly 4,200 claimants paid, totaling over $580 million, with many more in process.
Get Help Understanding the Program and Key Dates
SCE will host multiple virtual and in-person sessions where community members can learn about the program, ask questions and receive help starting a claim. Register here for the following sessions:
- Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6 p.m. (virtual)
- Thursday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m. (Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 N Lake Ave., Pasadena)
- Thursday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m. (virtual)
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.
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.
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