# Who qualifies for the SBA Express veteran fee waiver?

**Short answer:** A business owned and controlled by a veteran or a veteran's spouse (13 CFR 120.220(a)(3)). SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 4, Para. C.1 also lists service-disabled veterans, active-duty members in the Transition Assistance Program, their spouses and certain widowed spouses.

Canonical page: https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/who-qualifies-sba-express-veteran-fee-waiver/
Last checked: 2026-11-09

A business qualifies when a veteran or a veteran's spouse owns and controls it (13 CFR 120.220(a)(3); Information Notice 5000-881797, p. 3).

## Who the SOP lists

SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 4, Para. C.1 names these owners:

- Veterans, other than a veteran who received a Dishonorable or Bad Conduct Discharge.
- Service-Disabled Veterans.
- Active Duty service members in the military's Transition Assistance Program.
- Spouses of a veteran or Active Duty service member.
- Widowed spouses of a service member who died in service or of a service-connected disability.

## What "owned and controlled" means

Appendix 3 cites section 3(q) of the Small Business Act. One or more veterans must own at least 51 percent of the business, or of the stock of a corporation. Veterans must also control management and daily operations. The SOP does not spell out how that test applies to a spouse, so ask the lender.

## What "veteran" means

Appendix 3 uses the Title 38 definition. A veteran served in the active military, naval or air service, including reserve components. The person was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

## Proof

The lender must document eligibility (Notice 5000-881797, p. 3). The veteran box on SBA Form 1919 is optional and for program reporting only, so ask what proof your lender accepts.

## Sources

- [13 CFR § 120.220(a)(3)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.220)
- [SBA Information Notice 5000-881797, p. 3 (effective October 1, 2026)](https://legacy.sba.gov/document/information-notice-5000-881797-fy-2027-7a-program-fees)
- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 4, Para. C.1.a.i (Para. C begins p. 62)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [SOP 50 10 8.1, Appendix 3, Veteran (about p. 307)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [SBA Form 1919 (02/2025), owner demographic section](https://legacy.sba.gov/document/sba-form-1919-borrower-information-form)