California EBB CRMP Program
What Is the Earthquake Brace + Bolt Program?
A state-funded initiative that helps California homeowners strengthen their homes against earthquake damage — with financial assistance that makes it accessible to everyone.
Built for California Homeowners
The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program is administered by the California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) — a joint powers authority created by the California Earthquake Authority and the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. Its mission is simple: help California homeowners reduce the risk of earthquake damage before the next major event strikes.
The program provides financial rebates to eligible homeowners who retrofit their wood-frame houses built on raised foundations. These older homes — many built before modern seismic codes — are particularly vulnerable to the kind of ground shaking that causes houses to slide or topple off their foundations.
How the Program Works
The EBB CRMP program covers the cost of retrofitting your home's cripple wall and foundation connection — the two most critical structural vulnerabilities in older California homes. Here's the basic flow:
Apply during an open registration period
The program opens registration windows for specific ZIP codes. Homeowners in eligible areas can apply online through the official EBB portal.
Get matched with a pre-approved contractor
Once selected, you're matched with a state-vetted, licensed contractor who specializes in seismic retrofitting.
Retrofit is completed
The contractor performs the work — typically in a single day — including cripple wall bracing, anchor bolts, and foundation connections.
Receive your rebate
After a final inspection, the program reimburses you a minimum of $3,000 — and often significantly more depending on your home's risk profile, location, and income tier. Many homeowners recover the full cost of the retrofit.
State-Vetted Contractors
Work done by licensed, pre-approved professionals
Every contractor in the CRMP network is licensed by the California State License Board, carries full insurance, and has been vetted by the program. You don't have to find or vet anyone — we're already on the approved list.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the EBB CRMP program, your home must meet the following criteria:
- Single-family wood-frame house built before 1980
- Located in an eligible ZIP code (determined by seismic risk)
- Built on a raised foundation (crawl space or cripple wall)
- Not previously retrofitted under this program
- Owner-occupied primary residence
- Homeowner's insurance policy in place
Eligibility is also subject to income-based tiers. Lower-income households may qualify for enhanced rebates covering up to 100% of retrofit costs — meaning the work is completely free.
Program Funding & Rebate Amounts
Standard Rebate
$3,000 minimum
The baseline rebate available to all eligible homeowners in participating ZIP codes. This is the floor — your actual rebate may be higher based on your home's assessed risk and retrofit scope.
Enhanced Rebate
Up to $6,000
Available to moderate-income households and homes in higher seismic risk zones. Covers a larger share of retrofit costs, often eliminating out-of-pocket expenses entirely.
Full Coverage
100% of costs
Lower-income households may qualify for full program coverage — meaning the retrofit is completely free, with no out-of-pocket cost whatsoever. Income documentation required.
Many homeowners recover the full cost of their retrofit
Why Retrofitting Matters
Earthquakes don't give warnings. When the ground shakes, unreinforced homes can slide off their foundations — causing catastrophic structural damage that takes months and hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair. A seismic retrofit typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000 and can be completed in a single day. The EBB CRMP program makes that investment accessible — and in many cases, completely free.
$3,000+
Minimum rebate — many homeowners recover far more
1 day
Typical retrofit completion time
50,000+
California homes already protected
100%
Cost covered for qualifying low-income households
Find Out How Much You Could Recover
Every home is different. The best way to know your exact rebate amount is to get a free consultation — we'll assess your eligibility and walk you through every tier you may qualify for.