SBA Reminds Hurricanes Irma And Maria Survivors Of Right To Appeal

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding survivors of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, whose SBA Disaster Loan applications were not approved, they have the right to appeal the loan decision.

When the SBA is unable to approve a loan application, it sends the survivor a letter explaining the reason for the action, their reconsideration or appeal rights and lists information required to appeal the decision.

“If the SBA does not approve a survivor’s disaster loan application that does not mean the process is over,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta. “Survivors have the right to appeal SBA’s decisions. We want to be sure that everybody receives the assistance that is appropriate for them.”

In the aftermath of declared disasters, such as hurricanes Irma and Maria in Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the SBA assists businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters with their recovery by offering direct and affordable, low-interest disaster loans.

If the applicant disagrees with SBA’s loan decision, they should follow the instructions in SBA’s letter to request another review of their application package. The applicant should clearly explain why they disagree with the decision and include any requested information and supporting documentation that would help in rendering a positive response. They will have up to six months from the date of their decision letter to request reconsideration. They can also call SBA’s Customer Service Center or visit any recovery center convenient to them for help with their case.

Additional information on the disaster loan program and Center locations may be obtained by calling SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to [email protected]. Loan applications can be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov. Completed applications should be returned to a recovery center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. For more information about SBA recovery assistance, visit www.sba.gov/disaster.

The deadline to request reconsideration varies, and is listed in the letter to the survivor.