For SBA lenders
Short answer
The sunset of the SBSS score means lenders no longer rely on a minimum SBSS score for screening 7(a) Small Loan applications, requiring them to utilize their own credit analysis for all applications.
Effective August 1, 2023, the SBA discontinued the requirement for a minimum SBSS score for 7(a) Small Loans. This change shifts the responsibility entirely to the lender to use their internal credit policies and prudent lending standards to assess the creditworthiness of all applicants.
A lender previously declined a 7(a) Small Loan applicant solely because their SBSS score was below the minimum threshold. With the sunset, the lender must now conduct a full financial analysis of a similar applicant, applying their conventional underwriting criteria.
Sunset of SBSS Score for 7(a) Small Loans
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
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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