A method for preparing multi-arm poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) amines from multi-arm PEG polyols is described. The method comprises a two step process, wherein the multi-arm PEG polyol is first reacted with thionyl chloride to form a multi-arm PEG chloride, which is subsequently reacted with aqueous or anhydrous ammonia to yield the multi-arm PEG amine.