Components of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program
Loan advance: up to $10,000
Small business owners can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) advance of up to $10,000. The advance is meant to provide economic relief to businesses that are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to the health crisis. Funds will be made available quickly and do not have to be repaid. The advance may be used to keep employees on the payroll, pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations (including debts, rent, and mortgage payments).
Any small business located in the United States can apply for the advance. You must first apply for an EIDL before you may request the advance.
Bridge loans: up to $25,000
Small business owners who have an existing relationship with an SBA Express Lender can use the Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program to access up to $25,000 with reduced paperwork. These loans are designed to quickly help small businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue caused by the health crisis. The Express Bridge Loan can be used to bridge the gap while waiting for a decision on (and disbursement of) an EIDL. Express Bridge Loans can be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from an EIDL.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan: up to $2,000,000
EIDLs are lower-interest loans of up to $2 million—with the principal and interest deferred at the SBA's discretion—that are available to pay for expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred, including payroll and other operating expenses. You can apply online for a disaster loan related to COVID-19.
EIDL eligibility
Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees that fall into one of the following categories are eligible for an EIDL:
- Sole proprietorships, with or without employees
- Independent contractors
- Cooperatives and employee-owned businesses
- Tribal small businesses
- Small business concerns and small agricultural cooperatives that meet the applicable size standard for SBA are also eligible (you will need your 6-digit NAICS Code and your 3-year average annual revenue), and most private non-profits of any size
How to apply
EIDLs are currently available from SBA lenders. You can apply for an EIDL online or contact your local SBA District Office when applying for SBA assistance. You can also find an SBA lender near you at SBA's website. For questions about SBA disaster loans, contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Ask a lawyer
If you are unsure about how to access government assistance or need legal help due to the coronavirus crisis, we're here to help. Get free legal advice and access key documents for protecting your business in our Coronavirus Legal Center. You can also reach the Rocket Lawyer CARES support team toll-free at (877) 885-0088, Monday through Friday, from 6am to 6pm PST.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
