California Earthquake Brace + Bolt Program

California Earthquake Authority (CEA)

Available Disaster Relief

About This Program

State-funded program offering up to $3,000 toward the cost of seismic retrofits for homes built before 1980 with raised foundations. Redwood City has participated in past years; check current zip code eligibility annually.

$3,000 incentive reduces homeowner's out-of-pocket retrofit cost

Official source site checked live on 2026-06-17.

Data last verified 2026-06-09. How we verify our data.

Key Details

  • Up to $3,000 incentive toward seismic retrofit
  • For homes built before 1980 with raised foundation
  • Check annual zip code eligibility for Redwood City
  • Homeowner pays balance of retrofit cost
  • Program enrollment typically opens in spring

How to Apply

Get free help applying Visit Official Program Page Track this program

(877) 232-4300

A grant-savvy contractor in Redwood City, CA can handle the paperwork, inspections, and timelines so your funding releases on schedule. Getting matched is free.

You will likely need a contractor to apply

Projects like this almost always need a licensed contractor, and many grants ask for a written estimate as part of your application. Lining up a contractor in Redwood City early keeps your application moving.

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Each program sets its own contractor rules. Check the official program page for exact requirements.

Your application paperwork

Earthquake Brace and Bolt (EBB) gives California homeowners a grant to seismically retrofit an older house by bolting the home to its foundation and bracing the cripple walls. The base grant is up to 3,000 dollars, and income-eligible homeowners can apply for an additional grant of up to 7,000 dollars. You register during an open enrollment window, and the program is run by the California Residential Mitigation Program.

Steps to apply

  1. Check that your home qualifies: a wood-framed house built before 1980 with a raised foundation and cripple walls, in an eligible ZIP code.
  2. Sign up for notifications and register on the Earthquake Brace and Bolt site when the enrollment window opens.
  3. Answer the qualifying questions and receive your eligibility determination.
  4. Hire a contractor to do the brace-and-bolt retrofit, then submit documentation to receive the grant (apply for the supplemental income-based grant if eligible).
Get the official form

Documents you will likely need

  • Proof you own and live in the home (and its year built and foundation type).
  • Your home's ZIP code to confirm it is in an eligible area.
  • For the supplemental grant, proof your household income is at or below the program limit.
  • Contractor documentation and photos of the completed retrofit.
Download this checklist (PDF)

Requirements vary by program and locality. Confirm the exact rules on the official program page. We can help you prepare your paperwork, but you submit it yourself.

Deadline: Annual enrollment periods; check for San Mateo County eligibility

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