The SBA application portal opened on April 2 to accept and process applications for a significant but limited amount of money. The Paycheck Protection Loan is a provision of the federal government response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has closed down much U.S. commerce as a result of social distancing measures implemented to stop the spread of the coronavirius. Businesses may not seek compensation for salary amounts beyond a rate of $100,000 annually, for employees whose principal residence is not in the U.S., or for payroll taxes.