Who qualifies for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan?
Short answer
A small business, small agricultural cooperative, small aquaculture business or most private nonprofits in a declared disaster area with substantial economic injury. SBA must find you cannot obtain credit elsewhere. A decline in sales alone does not qualify (sba.gov/disaster, read November 8, 2026).
To get an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), you must be a small entity in a declared disaster area with real financial injury. SBA's disaster page sets out the test (read November 8, 2026).
Substantial economic injury
SBA defines this as being unable to meet financial obligations and pay regular and necessary operating expenses. Loss of expected profits or a decline in sales does not count.
The three criteria
- The disaster directly affected your business.
- You cannot cover expenses or debt payments because of the disaster.
- Your business was physically located in the declared disaster area.
Credit elsewhere
An EIDL is available only when SBA determines you are unable to obtain credit elsewhere.
Size
13 CFR § 121.301(a) applies two tests. Your business alone must fit the size standard for its primary industry. Combined with affiliates, it must fit the standard for its own primary industry or the group's, whichever is higher. SBA determines size as of the date the disaster began (13 CFR § 121.302(c)).
The alternative net worth test in § 121.301(b) does not apply to EIDL.
Physical damage is not required
SBA says the amount depends on your financial impact and needs, even if you had no property damage.
Ask lending partners about your loan
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