For SBA lenders
Short answer
Lenders can approve deferments for up to 90 calendar days within any 12-month period without prior SBA approval, provided the borrower is not in liquidation.
The Servicing and Liquidation Actions 7(a) Lender Matrix allows lenders to unilaterally approve a deferment of up to 90 days of principal and interest (P&I) payments within any 12-month period. This is an effort to provide flexibility to borrowers experiencing temporary financial hardship, without burdening the SBA with minor approvals, as long as the loan is not already in liquidation status.
A borrower experiences a temporary supply chain disruption, impacting cash flow. The lender can approve a 60-day P&I deferment to help the business stabilize, without needing to contact the SBA for approval.
Lenders must document the reason for deferment, ensure the borrower is not already in liquidation, and track the cumulative deferment days within the 12-month period. Exceeding 90 days or approving a deferment for a liquidating loan requires prior SBA consent.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 57 - 7(a) Loan Servicing and Liquidation
Servicing and Liquidation Actions 7(a) Lender Matrix
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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