Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster can be overwhelming, and navigating the application process for disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) adds another layer of complexity. When your initial application is denied, it's natural to feel discouraged. However, there's a vital step you can take: requesting a reconsideration. This article will guide you through understanding and crafting an effective SBA Disaster SBA Reconsideration Letter Sample, helping you present your case clearly and persuasively.
What is an SBA Disaster Reconsideration Letter and Why is it Important?
An SBA Disaster Reconsideration Letter is a formal request you send to the SBA asking them to review their decision on your disaster loan or grant application. Sometimes, mistakes happen, or crucial information might have been overlooked. This letter is your opportunity to provide additional documentation or clarify points that may have led to the denial. The importance of a well-written reconsideration letter cannot be overstated, as it can significantly increase your chances of getting approved for the much-needed funds.
When writing your letter, remember to be:
- Clear and concise
- Polite and professional
- Specific about the reasons for reconsideration
- Supportive with new or clarifying documentation
Here’s a breakdown of what to include:
- Your SBA loan or application number.
- The date of the SBA's denial letter.
- A clear statement requesting reconsideration.
- The specific reasons why you believe the decision should be reviewed.
- Any new information or supporting documents that were not previously submitted.
You can think of the reconsideration process like this:
| Your Action | SBA's Action |
|---|---|
| Submit Reconsideration Letter | Reviews original application and new information |
| Provide Additional Documents | Evaluates if documents change eligibility |
| Receive New Decision | Approves, denies, or requests more information |
SBA Disaster SBA Reconsideration Letter Sample - Missing Documentation
Reconsideration Request Due to Missing Documentation
[Your Name/Business Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Small Business Administration
Disaster Loan Processing Center
[Address of Processing Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Disaster Loan Application - [Your SBA Application Number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to respectfully request a reconsideration of my SBA disaster loan application, application number [Your SBA Application Number], which was recently denied. I understand that the denial was due to missing documentation related to [briefly state the missing document, e.g., proof of ownership, income verification].
I have since gathered the necessary documents and have enclosed them with this letter. Specifically, I am providing [list the documents you are now providing, e.g., a copy of the deed to my property, my most recent tax returns, bank statements for the last six months]. I believe these documents clearly demonstrate my eligibility for the disaster loan.
I am confident that with this additional information, my application can be approved. I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive assistance in rebuilding after the devastating [mention the disaster, e.g., Hurricane Ida, wildfire].
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your favorable response.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
SBA Disaster SBA Reconsideration Letter Sample - Incorrect Information
Reconsideration Request Due to Incorrect Information
[Your Name/Business Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Small Business Administration
Disaster Loan Processing Center
[Address of Processing Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Disaster Loan Application - [Your SBA Application Number] - Correction of Information
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request a reconsideration of my SBA disaster loan application, application number [Your SBA Application Number]. I was recently informed that my application was denied, and upon reviewing the denial letter, I noticed an error in the information provided regarding [briefly state the incorrect information, e.g., the reported revenue for the affected period, the estimated cost of repairs].
The denial letter states [quote the incorrect information from the denial letter]. However, the correct figure should be [state the correct figure]. This discrepancy was an unintentional mistake made during the initial application process. I have attached [mention attached documents, e.g., corrected financial statements, updated repair estimates from contractors] that accurately reflect the situation.
I apologize for any inconvenience this error may have caused. I am eager to provide the correct information so that my application can be fairly evaluated. The assistance from the SBA is crucial for my business to recover from the impact of [mention the disaster].
Thank you for your understanding and for reviewing my case again. I am available to provide further clarification if needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
SBA Disaster SBA Reconsideration Letter Sample - Clarifying Eligibility
Reconsideration Request to Clarify Eligibility
[Your Name/Business Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Small Business Administration
Disaster Loan Processing Center
[Address of Processing Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Disaster Loan Application - [Your SBA Application Number] - Clarification of Eligibility Criteria
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request a reconsideration of my SBA disaster loan application, application number [Your SBA Application Number]. I received a denial notice stating that my business was not eligible for assistance. I believe there may have been a misunderstanding regarding my eligibility, and I would appreciate the opportunity to clarify my situation.
The denial indicated concerns about [mention the eligibility concern, e.g., business size, nature of business, primary residence status]. I would like to emphasize that my business [explain how you meet the criteria, e.g., has fewer than 50 employees and operates within the designated disaster area]. I have attached [mention supporting documents, e.g., a list of current employees, a map showing the business location within the declared disaster zone] to further illustrate my eligibility.
I understand the SBA has specific requirements for disaster assistance, and I am confident that my situation aligns with those requirements. The damage caused by [mention the disaster] has significantly impacted my ability to operate, and the SBA loan is vital for my recovery.
Thank you for reviewing my application and for considering this request for reconsideration. I am available to discuss my eligibility further if necessary.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
SBA Disaster SBA Reconsideration Letter Sample - New Evidence
Reconsideration Request Based on New Evidence
[Your Name/Business Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Small Business Administration
Disaster Loan Processing Center
[Address of Processing Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Disaster Loan Application - [Your SBA Application Number] - Submission of New Evidence
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request a reconsideration of my SBA disaster loan application, application number [Your SBA Application Number]. My application was denied, and I have since obtained new evidence that I believe significantly strengthens my case for approval.
The denial letter cited [mention the reason for denial]. Since receiving the denial, I have conducted further assessments and have new information that directly addresses this concern. Specifically, I have obtained [describe the new evidence, e.g., a detailed report from a certified appraiser assessing the damage to my home, updated financial projections based on a revised business plan]. These documents are attached for your review.
I believe this new evidence demonstrates that [explain how the new evidence changes the situation, e.g., the extent of the damage is greater than initially assessed, my business has a viable plan for recovery]. The impact of [mention the disaster] has been substantial, and this loan is critical for my ability to rebuild and resume operations.
Thank you for your dedication to assisting disaster victims and for considering this request. I look forward to a thorough review of the new information provided.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
SBA Disaster SBA Reconsideration Letter Sample - Change in Circumstances
Reconsideration Request Due to Change in Circumstances
[Your Name/Business Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Small Business Administration
Disaster Loan Processing Center
[Address of Processing Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Disaster Loan Application - [Your SBA Application Number] - Change in Circumstances
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request a reconsideration of my SBA disaster loan application, application number [Your SBA Application Number]. My application was recently denied. Since the initial review, there has been a significant change in my circumstances that I believe warrants a re-evaluation of my application.
The denial was based on [mention the reason for denial, e.g., concerns about my ability to repay]. However, since that decision, I have [explain the change in circumstances, e.g., secured a new, stable source of income through [new job/contract], received a commitment for additional funding from [other source]]. I have attached documentation to support this change, including [list supporting documents, e.g., a letter of employment, a commitment letter from the funding source].
This change in my financial situation significantly improves my capacity to manage and repay the SBA disaster loan, which is essential for me to recover from the damages caused by [mention the disaster].
Thank you for reconsidering my application based on these new developments. I appreciate your assistance during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
SBA Disaster SBA Reconsideration Letter Sample - Disputed Damage Assessment
Reconsideration Request Regarding Disputed Damage Assessment
[Your Name/Business Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Small Business Administration
Disaster Loan Processing Center
[Address of Processing Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Disaster Loan Application - [Your SBA Application Number] - Disputed Damage Assessment
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request a reconsideration of my SBA disaster loan application, application number [Your SBA Application Number]. My application was denied, and I believe the denial was based on an inaccurate assessment of the damages I sustained due to [mention the disaster].
The denial letter states that the estimated damages were [state the estimated damages from denial letter]. However, based on my own assessments and evaluations from independent contractors, the actual cost of repairs and replacement is significantly higher. I have attached [mention supporting documents, e.g., detailed repair estimates from three different reputable contractors, photos and videos documenting the extent of the damage, a report from a structural engineer] that illustrate the true scope of the damage.
I understand the SBA must verify damages, but I respectfully believe the initial assessment did not fully capture the losses incurred. The financial assistance from the SBA is critical for me to rebuild my home/business and recover from this disaster.
Thank you for your willingness to review my application again with this additional information. I hope you will consider the evidence provided to adjust the damage assessment.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
SBA Disaster SBA Reconsideration Letter Sample - Clarifying Business Structure
Reconsideration Request to Clarify Business Structure
[Your Name/Business Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Small Business Administration
Disaster Loan Processing Center
[Address of Processing Center]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Reconsideration - Disaster Loan Application - [Your SBA Application Number] - Clarification of Business Structure
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to respectfully request a reconsideration of my SBA disaster loan application, application number [Your SBA Application Number]. My application was denied, and I believe the denial may stem from a misunderstanding of my business structure.
The denial letter suggested that my business type did not meet the SBA's criteria for disaster assistance. I wish to clarify that [explain your business structure and how it meets SBA requirements, e.g., while I operate as a sole proprietorship, my business is registered as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and employs X number of people, making it eligible under the small business definition]. I have attached [mention supporting documents, e.g., my LLC formation documents, a list of my employees with their start dates, recent payroll records] to provide clear evidence of my business's legal structure and operations.
The damage from [mention the disaster] has severely impacted my business's ability to continue operating, and the SBA disaster loan is essential for my recovery. I am confident that with a clear understanding of my business structure, my eligibility can be confirmed.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for reconsidering my application. I am available to answer any further questions you may have.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Don't give up if your initial SBA disaster application isn't approved right away. Understanding the purpose and components of an SBA Disaster SBA Reconsideration Letter Sample is your first step towards a successful appeal. By carefully explaining your situation, providing all necessary documentation, and maintaining a professional tone, you can effectively present your case and increase your chances of securing the vital financial assistance needed for recovery. Remember to be thorough, accurate, and persistent in your efforts.