Can You Apply for an EIDL Loan Twice?

Q: Can you apply for a second EIDL loan?

No, there are not two separate rounds of Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program loans for COVID-19 relief. This can be confusing because the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), another government relief program for small businesses, did have two draw rounds that businesses could apply for. But COVID-19 loans are restricted to one per business. While you can’t get two EIDL loans, you may qualify for additional funds if you took out your EIDL loan prior to the maximum increase in April 2021 or the maximum increase in Sept September 2021.

Q: Can I get multiple EIDL loans?

You may only receive one COVID-19 EIDL. The only way you could get multiple EIDLs is if your business is located in an area with a declared disaster and qualify for a regular EIDL loan as well as a COVID-19 EIDL. Wildfires across the West Coast, for instance, are one of the most commonly declared disasters in the country. You do have to prove that your business was adversely affected because of the disaster.

Q: Can you get more than one EIDL loan or grant if you have more than one business?

It depends on whether or not the businesses are affiliated, which could preclude them from meeting the SBA’s size standards. The EIDL online application walks you through ownership and structure questions to determine your preliminary eligibility. In addition, the same loan officer will likely review all of your EIDL applications, which provides the SBA with more scrutiny of the ownership structure and potential affiliation issues. It may be helpful to talk to a tax advisor to help you navigate this situation.

Q: What is the maximum EIDL loan amount I can get for COVID relief?

The maximum COVID-19 EIDL amount is $2 million.

Q: Will the SBA run out of EIDL funding?

The SBA is accepting COVID-19 EIDL applications until December 31, 2021.

Lauren WardUpdated December 15, 2022

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Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.

Note: The Small Business Administration (SBA) is no longer accepting new applications for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans, reconsidering denied requests, or increasing requests. The application portal for COVID-19 loans is closed. The SBA is offering a Hardship Accommodation Plan for borrowers experiencing short-term financial challenges in repaying their EIDL loans. Borrowers eligible for this plan may make reduced payments for six months. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a very long emergency. Small businesses dealing with the pandemic and perhaps other disasters as well may be searching for any and all relief available to them. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers emergency funding through its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. In normal times, EIDLs are available to businesses located in areas where a declared disaster, such as a hurricane or wildfire, took place.But in 2020, the SBA also implemented a separate COVID-19 EIDL program for businesses across the country that were negatively impacted by the pandemic.How much can you really borrow for your small business through the EIDL program right now? Find out whether or not you can get more than one EIDL. Recommended: Small Business Grants: Free Money for Your Business

Can You Apply for an EIDL Loan Twice?

If you’re wondering if you can apply for a second EIDL, the answer is “it depends.” Here are three different scenarios to illustrate how the process works.

Your original EIDL application was denied. In this case, you should have received a reason for why your application wasn’t accepted. If you can address the SBA’s concerns, then you can initiate an EIDL reconsideration request.
You want a second EIDL. You may apply for only one COVID-19 EIDL. But if your business is located in a declared disaster area and it experienced additional economic injury, you may apply for a separate EIDL as well as a COVID-19 EIDL.
You received COVID-19 EIDL funds before the loan limit increased either in April 2021 or in September 2021. In either case, you can request a larger loan amount. Technically, this isn’t considered getting an additional loan. Rather, you’re simply taking advantage of new rules regarding loan limits. The SBA will contact you if you’re eligible for additional funds.

Recommended: Applying for & Getting a Small Business Loan

Can You Increase Your EIDL Size?

In some cases. The SBA increased the size of COVID-19 EIDLs, starting with loans approved Apr. 7, 2021 or later. That maximum loan amount was $500,000. As of Sept. 8, 2021, the maximum has been increased again, this time to $2 million.To check your eligibility, compare the new loan limit to your current loan amount. While there’s no direct way to apply for more funds on the SBA’s public website, you should receive instructions from the SBA on how to move forward if you choose.

EIDL Size Standards

In order to qualify for COVID-19 EIDLs, eligible businesses must have 500 employees or fewer. In addition to small businesses, agricultural enterprises and co-ops meeting the same employee limits may also qualify for a COVID-19 EIDL.

SBA Size Standards

Many SBA financing programs refer to “size standards.” This is the maximum size a company can be and still qualify as a small business. Each industry has its own size standard. Business owners can use the SBA’s Size Standard Tool to check eligibility.

PPP Size Standards

Looking at another program created to help stem the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Paycheck Protection Payment (PPP) borrowers could meet size standards in a few different ways. In order to be considered small businesses they must qualify using one of the following size standards:

500 employees or fewer
Average annual receipts less than the industry-specific threshold (you can use the Size Standard Tool to check)
Alternative-based measures such as net worth and/or net income

How to Request an Increase to Your Existing EIDL Loan

The SBA website links to the requirements and the form to request an increase to your COVID-19 EIDL loan. SBA loan rates are typically much lower than those for private small business loans. So if your business does need additional funding, this could be a good opportunity. However, EIDL loans are not forgivable. Unlike PPP loans, they must be repaid in full. Plus, that maturity term can be as long as 30 years. That’s a long time for your business to repay debt if the funds aren't actually needed. So it’s generally wise not to borrow more than you need. Recommended: Understanding Different Types of Small Business Loans

EIDL Maximum Loan Amounts

As of Sept. 8, 2021, the SBA raised its COVID-19 EIDL limits. When calculating your EIDL loan amount, the current limit is $2 million. Any COVID-19 EIDL amount over $25,000 requires collateral, typically in the form of a general security agreement from the SBA. This uses your business assets as collateral for the loan. The good news is that you don’t have to offer a personal guarantee to qualify for these funds. Recommended: Writing an EIDL Reconsideration Letter

PPP Maximum Loan Amounts

The PPP program is separate from the COVID-19 EIDL program and its maximums are very different. First draw PPP loans came with a maximum loan amount of $10 million. The second round of funding was limited to $2 million. Businesses could calculate their eligible limit by multiplying their monthly payroll costs by 2.5, or by 3.5 if in the food or hospitality industry.

When Is the Deadline to Apply for EIDL Funding for COVID-19 Relief?

COVID-19 EIDL applications must be submitted by December 31, 2021. However, you can still request additional funds after the deadline. If you borrowed less than you were offered and subsequently changed your mind, you have two years after the loan promissory date.

The Takeaway

Navigating your company’s finances during a pandemic or other disaster is complicated. You can make it a bit easier by comparing several small business loan options with one simple online form. Lantern by SoFi offers a single small business application form with access to multiple loan offers for your company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you apply for a second EIDL loan?

Can I get multiple EIDL loans?

Can you get more than one EIDL loan or grant if you have more than one business?

What is the maximum EIDL loan amount I can get for COVID relief?

Will the SBA run out of EIDL funding?

Photo credit: iStock/mphillips007

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About the Author

Lauren Ward

Lauren Ward is a personal finance expert with nearly a decade of experience writing online content. Her work has appeared on websites such as MSN, Time, and Bankrate. Lauren writes on a variety of personal finance topics for SoFi, including credit and banking.

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