In the wake of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes and other disasters, the SBA is the primary source of money from the Federal government for long-term recovery assistance. For disaster damage to private property owned by individuals, families and businesses not fully covered by insurance, the basic form of Federal assistance is low-interest, long-term disaster loans from the SBA.

Property owners usually have some insurance coverage, but often it does not cover all losses or even the type of hazard, which caused the damage. This leaves individuals and businesses with significant uninsured costs.

Most people cannot afford to pay for expensive disaster repairs out-of-pocket.   SBA disaster loans make recovery possible for the majority of borrowers.