Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Wildfire Survivors Urged to Complete SBA Loan Process

The U.S. Small Business Administration Tuesday urged Los Angeles County wildfire survivors to complete the final steps needed to access approved federal disaster loan funds before a June 30 deadline.

According to the SBA, nearly 13,000 disaster loan applications totaling more than $3.4 billion have been approved for residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the January 2025 wildfires in the county. However, only about $1 billion of that assistance has been disbursed to borrowers.

The agency said approved borrowers who have not yet accepted or drawn down their loan funds should do so by June 30. After that date, undisbursed loan assistance generally will only be available on a case-by-case basis.

The SBA made low-interest disaster loans available following the Jan. 7, 2025, wildfires and windstorms that devastated communities including Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

Federal officials said recovery challenges, including permitting delays, prompted multiple extensions of disaster-relief deadlines. The agency has maintained recovery centers throughout Los Angeles County and provided in- person assistance to residents and business owners seeking aid.

Borrowers can complete the process of accepting approved loans through the MySBA Loan Portal by scheduling an appointment with the agency or by visiting a local recovery center, officials said.

The SBA said eligible borrowers may also qualify for additional funding of up to 20% of their verified physical disaster damage for mitigation improvements intended to better protect homes and businesses from future disasters.

More information is available at https://sba.gov/disaster.