The EIDL Crisis: By the Numbers

EIDL Loans by State (Top 10)

The Federal Reserve found that small businesses with outstanding EIDL balances are in significantly worse financial shape than businesses without EIDL debt. They carry more than double the debt burden, are more likely to be denied credit, and are less likely to be profitable. These aren't businesses that were failing before COVID. These are businesses the government shut down and then charged for the privilege of surviving.

Congressional Research Service has documented four policy options under discussion: reduced interest rates, deferments without accrued interest, grant assistance, and loan forgiveness. None have been enacted. The SBA's Offer in Compromise program technically exists but has approved zero settlements for COVID EIDL loans under Administrator Kelly Loeffler. The Hardship Accommodation Plan ended March 19, 2025. Its replacement is a one-time 50% payment reduction for six months — with interest still accruing.

S.300 (the Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act) was reported in February 2025, but it contains zero forgiveness provisions — it only requires better reporting on how much EIDL loans cost taxpayers.

Meanwhile, DOGE cut 43% of SBA staff (2,700 employees), eliminating the very people who process borrower assistance requests. Members of Congress traded $5.3 billion in stocks while earning $174,000 — with a $200 fine for late disclosure.

This dashboard is a living document. Last updated April 9, 2026.

30+ borrowers have shared their stories. Every submission strengthens the evidence being compiled for the Senate and House Small Business Committees. As the data grows stronger, the case for action becomes harder to ignore. Every number on this page represents a real person, a real business, and a real family affected by a program that was supposed to help.