Short answer: Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) pays up to $3,000 toward bracing and bolting a pre-1980, wood-frame house on a raised foundation. Households with annual income of $94,480 or less can also apply for a supplemental grant of up to $7,000, which can cover up to 100% of the retrofit cost while funds last. If your grant is $5,000 or more, funded by FEMA, and your home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, you must keep flood insurance for the life of the structure.
Grant amounts
| Item | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Base EBB grant | Up to $3,000 | Earthquake Brace + Bolt |
| Supplemental grant | Up to $7,000 more; may pay up to 100% of cost, subject to funds | EBB |
| Income limit for supplemental grant | Household income of $94,480 or less | EBB |
| Typical contractor retrofit cost | $3,000 to $7,000, per EBB | EBB |
The program is funded by the California Earthquake Authority's Loss Mitigation Fund and FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, according to EBB. For the base grant rules and who qualifies, see our Earthquake Brace + Bolt guide.
Qualifying for the supplemental grant
According to EBB, you may qualify if:
- your annual household income is $94,480 or less,
- you said so at registration and are accepted into EBB,
- you are selected first-come, first-served based on available funds,
- you return the Income Verification Form within 30 days of acceptance, and
- EBB verifies your income with the IRS.
The flood insurance condition
EBB says that if you're a supplemental grant recipient in a Special Flood Hazard Area and your grant is $5,000 or more and FEMA-funded, you must sign a notarized form before payment. It commits you to:
- keep flood insurance for the life of the structure, even after a sale,
- maintain the property under floodplain management rules, and
- record a notice with the county stating that the property received federal hazard mitigation assistance. Under 42 U.S.C. §5154a, failing to keep flood insurance can bar future federal disaster assistance for a flood.
What this means for your insurance
- Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for your address before you accept a large supplemental grant.
- Price flood coverage first. NFIP policies generally have a 30-day wait before they take effect.
- Ask about the CEA retrofit discount. A qualifying retrofit can earn at least 5% off CEA earthquake premiums under Insurance Code §10089.40.
- Keep permits, invoices and photos of the work.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Earthquake Brace + Bolt supplemental grant?
Up to $7,000 on top of the base $3,000 grant for households earning $94,480 or less, and it can cover up to 100% of the retrofit cost if funds are available.
Who qualifies for the EBB supplemental grant?
Homeowners accepted into EBB with household income of $94,480 or less who return the Income Verification Form within 30 days and pass IRS income verification, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Does an EBB grant require flood insurance?
Only for supplemental grant recipients whose grant is $5,000 or more and FEMA-funded, and whose home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area. They must keep flood insurance for the life of the structure.
Does a retrofit lower my earthquake insurance?
It can. California Insurance Code §10089.40 gives qualifying retrofitted homes a CEA premium discount of at least 5%.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice, and not a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.