Get a $3,000 Earthquake Brace + Bolt Seismic Retrofit Grant!

⏰ Registration Opens January 15⏰

The California Residential Mitigation Program is offering $3,000 Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) retrofit grants to help qualifying California homeowners complete a seismic retrofit to secure your home to its foundation.

See if Your Area Qualifies

Check your ZIP Code to see if EBB is available in your area. We've added 200+ new ZIP Codes this year, so even if you didn't qualify in previous years, check again!

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Learn more about the EBB Grant Program

Retrofit FAQs

Strengthening your house is an important step in earthquake preparedness. With a stronger home, you can help protect your loved ones and your most valuable asset. Read our FAQs to learn more.

See all FAQs

Q: How is the program funded?

The program is presently funded with contributions from the California Earthquake Authority's Loss Mitigation Fund and with money from the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

Q: How much does a typical Earthquake Brace + Bolt retrofit cost?

A. The cost of a retrofit depends on the type of construction, size, and location of the house, and the cost of materials and labor. The typical cost range for an EBB retrofit is between $3,000 and $7,000.  Learn more about Earthquake Brace + Bolt retrofits.

Q: How much money is provided by an EBB grant?

EBB provides up to $3,000 toward a code-compliant seismic retrofit to a qualifying house. Additional supplemental grant money is available to qualifying income-eligible homeowners. These Supplemental Grants may pay up to 100 percent of the cost of the retrofit as long as funds are available.

Q: What is an EBB Supplemental Grant?

EBB is also offering a Supplemental Grant to help income-eligible households pay up to 100% of the cost to seismically retrofit their homes. An “income-eligible household” is defined as a household with income at or below $89,040 . These grants are based on available funds.

Q: How do you select ZIP Codes and locations where EBB will be offered?

A. EBB ZIP Codes are selected using the protocol criteria approved by the CRMP Governing Board. All California ZIP Codes were ordered by the following two criteria which were weighted equally:

  1. Earthquake Hazard: Hazard was identified using the United States Geological Survey (USGS) earthquake hazard map for California.
  2. Earthquake Vulnerability: Vulnerability was represented by identifying the percentage of pre-1940 houses in ZIP Codes in California (US Census Data). Older houses are more likely to require earthquake bracing and bolting.

As of January 15, 2025, EBB will be in over 1,100 high hazard ZIP Codes throughout California.

Q: How do I find a contractor?

A. You may follow personal recommendations from friends and family, or consider online directories or paid advertisements. Search for licensed contractors in the Contractor Directory. Contractors on the CRMP Contractor Directory have completed FEMA trainings for EBB and ESS retrofits.

Before you make your final decision and sign a contract, the California Seismic Commission and the Contractor’s State License Board (CSLB) recommends:

  • Getting at least three written bids on the project.
  • Checking at least three customer references.
  • Verifying the contractor's business location and telephone number.
  • Ensuring the contractor has a license and the legally required bond.
  • Verifying the contractor's workers’ compensation and commercial general liability insurance coverage.

Brace Your California Home Against Earthquakes with EBB Grants!

The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program offers grants of up to $3,000 to install seismic retrofits, like bracing and bolting, that anchor your house to its foundation. This means strengthening your foundation and walls, making your home significantly more resistant to earthquake shaking and sliding off the foundation.

Your house may qualify for an EBB Grant if it is:

  • Built before 1980, 
  • Owner-occupied,
  • On a raised foundation, and
  • In an EBB ZIP code.

EBB is also offering a Supplemental Grant to homeowners with a household annual income of $89,040 or less as funding permits.

Why Apply for an Earthquake Brace + Bolt Grant?

  • Peace of mind: Knowing that your home is more earthquake-resistant is invaluable.
  • Proven results: Over 28,000 California homes have been retrofitted with the help of EBB grants.
  • Quick and easy: Our application process is straightforward and user-friendly.
  • Reduced earthquake risk: Seismic retrofits can significantly reduce the risk of earthquake damage to your home.
  • Increased home value: Homes that have been seismically retrofitted tend to have higher resale values.
  • Financial assistance: Our grants make earthquake retrofits more affordable for homeowners.