FAQs  

What is the Electronic Loan Application (ELA)?
SBA has developed a Website to expand its outreach to disaster victims.  Disaster victims may now apply for disaster loan assistance at their own convenience using any computer connected to the Internet.  The ELA simplifies the application process and speeds delivery of assistance to disaster victims. 

Who may use the Electronic Loan Application (ELA)?
The ELA allows anyone with damages to their home or business resulting from a declared disaster to apply for disaster loan assistance.  Homeowners and Renters can apply for damages to their home, personal property, and vehicles.  Businesses can apply for damages to their real estate or business contents and for economic losses.

How can the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) be accessed?
Click the link Apply for a Disaster Loan Online.

How do applicants benefit from the Electronic Loan Application (ELA)?
There are several major advantages for disaster loan applicants:

• For many applicants, the application will be shorter. The ELA seeks applicant-specific information, unlike SBA’s paper application that presents a full range of possible questions.  The design of the Web pages adapts the application to answers supplied by the applicant.
• On-screen help features allow applicants to find answers to most follow-up questions. A glossary is available for terms that may be unfamiliar. 
• Using the ELA shortens the time to get a loan decision.  As information is entered, error checking occurs, preventing possible delays in processing.  The ELA prompts the applicant when additional information is required.
• Improved convenience and accessibility because of the 24/7/365 nature of the Internet.  The applicant has the ability to apply at the time and location most convenient for them.
• Using the ELA shortens the delivery time of an application compared to traditional methods of delivering paper applications by mail.  Using the technology of the Internet, the submission of the application is instantaneous versus the normal 2-3 day delivery by regular mail.

How does SBA benefit from the Electronic Loan Application (ELA)?
SBA saves time and reduces the cost to taxpayers in several important ways.

• Implementation of the ELA is expected to reduce data entry requirements resulting in substantial cost savings and improved efficiency to taxpayers.
• There will be fewer paper documents to manage and store, resulting in reduced staffing and storage costs.
• Error checking performed in the ELA results in accurate information provided at the beginning of the loan decision process. The immediate identification and correction of errors will reduce data input costs and minimize processing delays.

How can you ensure my information is secure?
Security is a primary focus for SBA because most of the data provided when using the ELA is sensitive.  The ELA incorporates the latest technology to protect SBA’s customer data.  First, when the user accesses the Website, a secure encrypted connection is established, so entering data is as secure as making an online purchase.  Then ELA authenticates the identity of the user with identity-proofing techniques recognized as “best practices” throughout the government and industry.  We require a second pass code during the application process that changes every time you sign on.  Finally, we periodically run independent tests on all of these security processes and the remainder of our security.

Is this the only disaster loan process I can complete online?
Currently, yes.  The Website only allows applicants to apply for disaster loan assistance.
However, we plan enhancements in the future to incorporate additional online processes capabilities.  Some of the items in planning include support for various languages and checking application status.  Each new feature is directed toward improving customer service while maximizing efficiency.

If I have questions, where can I get help?
There is an extensive online help feature available.  Anyone using the ELA with questions beyond the explanations provided in the online help can call SBA’s Disaster Customer Service Center (CSC) toll-free at 1-800-659-2955 or email the center at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for assistance, or they can visit a local Disaster Recovery Center or Disaster Loan Outreach Center.  Locations and hours of operation for local centers [link to ] are available on the www.sba.gov Website or by contacting the CSC.  They are also announced through local media outlets.

Apply for a Disaster Loan Online

Return to SBA Disaster Assistance Homepage