Economic Disaster Loans

"Purpose: To provide specific policy and procedural guidance governing disaster loan-making. This SOP is the principal such guidance for physical and economic injury disaster loans. It contains policies and procedures for disaster lending in general and for disaster loan processing in particular"--P. 1.

Through its Disaster Loan Program, the Small Business Admin. (SBA) has been a major source of assistance for the restoration of commerce and households in areas stricken by natural and human-caused disasters. SBA offers direct loans to businesses to help repair, rebuild, and recover from economic losses after a disaster, but approximately 80% of the agency¿s approved direct disaster loans are made to individuals and households (renters and property owners) to help repair and replace homes and personal property. This report describes the SBA Disaster Loan Program, including the types of loans available to individuals, households, businesses, and nonprofit org. It highlights eight issues of potential congressional concern. Charts and tables.