For SBA lenders
Short answer
Lenders can approve certain short-term deferments (up to three months) or minor modifications to payment frequency without prior SBA approval if specific conditions are met, such as the borrower not being in default.
The SBA permits lenders to take certain servicing actions without prior SBA approval to facilitate efficient loan management. These include deferments up to three months within a 12-month period or adjustments to payment frequency, provided the borrower is not already in default and the action aligns with prudent lending standards and the lender's internal policies.
A 7(a) borrower requests a two-month deferment due to a temporary, unexpected dip in revenue, and the loan is current. The lender, following its prudent lending standards, reviews the request, determines the deferment is warranted and the business has strong recovery prospects, and approves it without prior SBA authorization. The lender updates its records and notifies the SBA via E-Tran post-action.
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 2026-06-14. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-14. 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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