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Glossary

Five-year bar

A federal limit that stops most adults from getting TANF cash assistance for more than 60 months (5 years) in their lifetime.

The five-year bar is a rule in the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program. Federal law generally limits adults to 60 months of federally funded TANF cash assistance over their lifetime.

This means if you receive TANF benefits, those months add up. Once you hit 60 months total, you usually cannot get more TANF cash help, even if you still need it. The clock does not reset when you leave the program and come back later.

States can make exceptions in certain situations, such as hardship or domestic violence. Each state also designs its own TANF program, so rules may differ where you live.

If you think you are close to the five-year limit, contact your state's TANF office to find out how many months you have used. Applying is free, and only your state decides if you qualify for an exception.

Programs where this matters

LIHEAPHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesLIHEAP helps households with low income pay heating and cooling bills, and may help in an energy crisis such as a shut-off notice.MedicaidCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.SNAPUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.Child Care AidHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesChild care assistance helps families with low income pay for child care so parents can work, look for work, or go to school or training.TANFHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesTANF gives cash help and support services to families with children who have low income. Each state runs its own program.