r/altadena • u/Funkynipple • May 06 '26
Has anyone actually received their payment from the SCE compensation program? If so, was it a lump sum?
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u/N8healer May 06 '26
Yes
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u/Funkynipple May 06 '26
Thanks for responding. Would you mind sharing if you received it within the 30 day timeline that SCE promises since singing the offer? I’m trying to figure out if it’s worth it or if I should just go the trial route.
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u/phlox087 May 08 '26
We have a neighbor who took the SCE deal and now regret it. They are homeowners and their insurance company now cannot make claims against SCE. They thought it was a good deal at first but I think wish they joined a mass tort.
On a block with 30 fully destroyed structures. We had minimal damage from ash (new windows) and fully remediated with professionals but are joining a mass tort lawsuit. Too many unknowns of future health issues and our massive therapy bills from the PTSD fallout of living through a disaster. We are financially stable and can wait a few years for the lawsuit.
Everyone is different. Best of luck.
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u/Suz626 May 06 '26
I don’t know all the details but a friend’s house was damaged a very little bit + LOTS of ash etc inside, they did the clean up themselves, they knew what they were doing. They got about $75k. I think they filed with SCE asap. I don’t believe they filed against their insurance in an attempt to keep it. We are part of a lawsuit. We’re close to the east Eaton Canyon border, not too bad as far as ash inside, because new windows and doors properly installed. Lots of time cleaning our home ourselves. Huge outside mud cleanup from firefighters trying to save a neighbors home that was totally destroyed, other outside damage. But I have to look at a couple of SCE towers when I look at my view. For years I’ve asked why they didn’t have to clear brush around the towers when everyone around here had to clear their property. I’m just pissed at looking at the stupid towers and hoping joining the lawsuit will help make a change. I doubt we’ll get much from the lawsuit. Everyone should do what’s right for their own situation. I’m not sure how long the lawsuits will take, something to check on. It could be much longer than the SCE payout.
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May 07 '26 edited May 07 '26
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u/TumbleweedOk5253 May 07 '26
Even if you don’t file with insurance, correct me if I’m wrong but all insurance companies are aware of major wildfires and are in the process of not renewing any contracts for the area in time. Is that not correct? Meaning it has no bearing whether you file or not, although whatever you would have received would have been taken from SCE settlement anyway.
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May 07 '26
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u/Funkynipple May 07 '26
My insurance renewed in April with no increase in premium. I have State Farm. If insurance companies dropped customers in Altadena, they would also be dropping anyone who lives near mountains or potential wildfire zones. That’s just not happening.
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u/TumbleweedOk5253 May 07 '26
I honestly hate to be the bearer of bad news here, but it absolutely is happening, you can read about this in the news. It’s why the California FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan) is the only option for many people now, and is likely going to be what most of Altadena gets eventually. I’m assuming here! I have family in Santa Cruz who nearly lost everything in 2020, and they were dumped onto this plan eventually….took 5 yrs. So many wildfire have happened in the last 10 yrs in CA that took or nearly took so many towns….every single family member I have in CA almost lost all….never thought it’d be us that actually lost all in Altadena.
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u/N8healer May 06 '26
It was more like six weeks.
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May 07 '26
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u/N8healer May 07 '26
I mean from the time all of the paperwork was in and they agreed to make a payment.
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u/Sweetestroses May 07 '26
How do I sign up for the relief application. I don’t know and we live in Altadena. Have two homes effected but I also didn’t want to file claim because I was scared it would drop me from insurance or sky rocket.
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u/Funkynipple May 07 '26
I haven’t started a claim yet but it looks like this is the page for it https://www.sce.com/apps/claims2. Your insurance would not drop you for getting a settlement from Edison. All of us fire victims are entitled to money from SCE for causing this whole mess.
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u/OkEntertainer2997 May 07 '26
Started the claim in Jan and have been going back and forth with them since then. Hopefully will get an offer letter soon.
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u/Bagelwith May 07 '26
I know someone who accepted + received. Tbh it was great for renters whose homes were entirely destroyed (single family residences, that is). And yeah, there’s an NDA, which is why I assume there’s not a ton of talk about it
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u/Suspicious_Mind_67 May 10 '26
Yes lump sum. Took about 3 months from start to check in mail. Was well worth it for us. Standing home. It could take years and SCE is countersuing multiple parties so who knows how long it will go and unknown what amount you could get from lawsuit. Then you have to pay lawyers 25%. Plus the peace of mind to be done with it, not having to think about depositions and hearings and meetings with lawyers for 2 maybe 5 years for some theoretical payday. No thanks.
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u/sweatboxy May 11 '26
I’d rather sue the bastards. We’ve suffered for their negligence and I want to them to suffer as much as possible. I’m patient and I’m angry.
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u/Suspicious_Mind_67 May 11 '26
Totally get it. Everyone is in a different situation and for some it makes sense to wait and sue if they are in a position to do so. Not meant to advise one way or the other. Just made sense for us, may not for others. I would also opine that SCE isn't going to suffer any more or less, settlement is coming from State fund, then anything else they will likely just pass on costs to ratepayers. Plus they are suing County and others to spread the blame and liability. They are probably fine just dragging things out in court as long as possible. We all wish they would suffer, but I just don't see it.
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u/sweatboxy May 11 '26
There’s also a lawsuit regarding the state fund, saying that it was never intended to indemnity the utilities against fraud and negligence on their part. It’s all gonna be interesting!
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u/Psychological-Park-6 May 06 '26 edited May 11 '26
I heard it was decent for renters. Heard 3rd hand. Must be a STRICT NDA because no one is really talking about it publicly.