SBA has recently issued a policy change regarding the PPP loan forgiveness application process. This adjustment is designed to support SBA’s ongoing efforts to locate PPP borrowers who have not yet applied for forgiveness and encourage them to do so, reinforcing SBA’s commitment to efficiency and support for small business owners.
Effective immediately, SBA is implementing a system change that will allow all PPP borrowers to apply for loan forgiveness through the SBA PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal, regardless of their loan size or Lender. This shift is intended to simplify the forgiveness process, ensuring that more borrowers can access the support they need with greater ease. Lenders must also accept forgiveness applications from borrowers who are unable to use the Direct Forgiveness Platform.
As part of this policy update, all PPP Lenders are now required to process forgiveness applications submitted via the SBA PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal. This includes those Lenders who have previously established their own internal processes for PPP forgiveness. While Lenders may continue to use their internal systems, they must also review and decision any forgiveness applications received through the PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal. To facilitate this transition, SBA will automatically enroll all Lenders not currently participating in the direct forgiveness platform. It is our objective to make this transition as smooth as possible for both Lenders and borrowers.
Please remember that all existing program requirements remain in effect. This policy change does not alter the fundamental criteria for loan forgiveness, but rather broadens the accessibility of the forgiveness process to a wider range of borrowers. In accordance with PPP Loan Program requirements, if a Lender receives a forgiveness application from a borrower after requesting guaranty purchase, the Lender must submit its forgiveness decision to SBA.
The SBA strongly believes that these changes will benefit both borrowers and Lenders, ensuring quicker, more efficient access to forgiveness.
Questions:
- General PPP forgiveness questions to [email protected]
. - Requests for assistance on SBA Paycheck Protection Platform navigation and platform user experience issues may be sent to [email protected].
- PPP Lenders may also call the Lender Hotline at (833) 572-0502 for live assistance regarding Paycheck Protection Platform access and support and policy questions.
- Requests for advanced technical support, API support and UAT error support to [email protected]
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