For SBA lenders
Short answer
Yes, lenders can generally approve certain deferment periods without prior SBA approval, provided they adhere to specific criteria and aggregate limits outlined in the Servicing and Liquidation Actions Matrix.
The SBA grants lenders delegated authority to perform various servicing actions, including limited deferments, to streamline the process. However, these actions must meet prudent lending standards and fall within specific parameters (e.g., maximum duration, aggregate limit over the loan term) to maintain the guaranty.
A borrower requests a 3-month deferment due to a temporary downturn. The lender reviews the Servicing and Liquidation Actions Matrix and, seeing this falls within its delegated authority and prudent lending standards, approves the deferment without prior SBA consent.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
Servicing and Liquidation Actions 7(a) Lender Matrix
SOP 50 57 - 7(a) Loan Servicing and Liquidation
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
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