For SBA lenders
Short answer
The sunset of SBSS means lenders no longer need to use the SBSS score as a mandatory credit assessment for 7(a) Small Loans, allowing them to rely on their own internal credit policies and prudent lending standards.
Effective August 1, 2023, the SBA ceased requiring the SBSS score for 7(a) Small Loans. This change grants lenders more discretion in their underwriting approach for these smaller loans, emphasizing reliance on their established credit risk assessment tools and adherence to prudent lending principles.
Previously, a lender used the SBSS score as a pass/fail criterion for a $350,000 7(a) Small Loan. Now, the lender integrates personal credit scores, business cash flow analysis, and industry-specific metrics within its own comprehensive underwriting framework to evaluate the same loan.
Insider move
Lenders must ensure their internal underwriting processes for 7(a) Small Loans are robust, well-documented, and consistently applied to demonstrate adherence to prudent lending standards in the absence of the mandated SBSS score.
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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