How to apply for a small business disaster loan

If your business or home suffered damage and is in a presidentially declared disaster area, you may qualify for financial help. Find out how to apply for a small business disaster loan.

Find out what expenses an SBA disaster loan can pay

The Small Business Administration (SBA) extends low-interest loans after a disaster. The loans can help businesses of all sizes, nonprofit organizations, and individual households. The loans can pay for:

• Repair or replacement of physical damages
• Expenses that your business’ or homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover
• Personal expenses

Learn about the types of disaster relief loans

SBA disaster loans cover different types of losses after a disaster. Learn more about each type of loan and if you are eligible:

• Business Physical Disaster Loan - provides for the repair or replacement of buildings, machinery, fixtures, and inventory
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) - assists with operational costs whether or not a disaster caused physical damage to a business
• Home and personal property loans - helps homeowners and renters replace or repair damaged homes, cars, appliances, furniture, and clothing
• Military Reservists Economic Injury Loans - helps businesses cover operational expenses if an essential employee is called to duty as a military reservist

How to apply for an SBA disaster loan

Before applying for an SBA disaster loan, you must register with FEMA:

• By calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362
• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

After receiving a FEMA registration number, you can then apply for an SBA disaster loan in one of three ways:

• Apply for an SBA disaster loan online.
• Apply in person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
• Apply by mail. Download the paper forms that you will need to complete.

You can also find a Disaster Recovery Center or request paper forms by calling the SBA contact center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 711).

Documents required to apply for an SBA disaster loan

You will need documentation of the following when you apply for an SBA loan:

• Contact information for all applicants
• Social Security numbers for all applicants
• FEMA registration number
• Deed or lease information
• Insurance information
• Financial information
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)