The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to Rio Grande Valley residents and small businesses impacted by severe weather in April and May.

People can apply at the disaster outreach center in the San Benito Annex Building. Residents can apply for a personal property loan or a business physical disaster loan.

Vicky Cantu, a San Benito resident, visited the center after her home was damaged on May 9, 2026. She and her husband live in the Green Valley Farms area near San Benito.

Strong winds brought down their backyard shed and destroyed some of the items inside. Glass from her windows is still on the floor.

"We sustained a lot of damage in our home and our personal belongings," Cantu said. "We are still trying to find things that got blown away. That is our home. That's our life. We worked hard for what we have, and a disaster like this can be devastating for a long time, especially when you don't have sufficient funds to repair."

Cantu has lived in her home for 18 years. When she learned the SBA was offering federal loans, she came to apply at the outreach center.

"It will take a tremendous load off our backs right now. It is very stressful. We are still trying to live in the home, and it is very difficult because it is not in the best condition," Cantu said.

The application is open for anyone impacted by severe weather in May. Applicants should bring a cell phone, an ID, and a working email address.

"Have the ability to receive text on your cell phone and a copy of your driver's license. With those two things, we can apply it into the system and therefore open a portal for you," U.S. Small Business Administration spokesperson Gabriel Perales said.

Once submitted, the information goes to a loan processor. If approved, applicants will receive one or more loan offers.

Perales said even if someone has already started repairing their home, they can still qualify for a loan. He added that applicants will need receipts for repairs and photos of the damage.

"Some folks don't realize that they are impacted until later down the road, as is the case with our business community. Economic injury, they will not feel in two or three months until they realize those who are impacted are no longer shopping," Perales said.

The SBA will ask about the number of people in a household, the extent of the damage, and income.

"We have no other backup plan. We are homeowners. We do have homeowners insurance, but there are also large deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses that need to be paid, and also the items and the property that are not covered," Cantu said.

The disaster outreach loan center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The deadline to submit physical damage applications is July 6, 2026, and the deadline for economic injury applications is Feb. 8, 2027.

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