For SBA lenders
Short answer
The sunset of the SBSS score means lenders must now rely entirely on their own prudent credit analysis and traditional underwriting methods for all 7(a) Small Loans, rather than using the automated score.
Procedural Notice 5000-876626 announced the sunset of the SBSS score requirement for 7(a) Small Loans. This removes an automated underwriting tool, requiring lenders to conduct a comprehensive written credit analysis for all loans, regardless of size, assessing creditworthiness based on character, capacity, capital, collateral, and conditions (the 5 Cs of credit).
For a $300,000 7(a) Small Loan, a lender previously relied heavily on a strong SBSS score. Now, they must prepare a detailed credit memo analyzing the borrower's financial statements, projections, credit history, and management experience to justify approval.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
Sunset of SBSS Score for 7(a) Small Loans
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Procedural Notice 5000-876626 - Revised Applicant Ownership, Citizenship and Residency
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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