For example, they may require adults on the grant to get a job sooner than two years. Or, they may have a lifetime limit of less than five years for benefits. Other TANF Rules Cash benefits for adults are paid for two to five years during your entire life. This is your lifetime limit. You already may have used part of your lifetime limit.
States can set up something called a hardship waiver for special situations.
This allows some families to be excused from the lifetime limit. States can also create new assistance programs with no lifetime limit. Each state decides if legal immigrants can qualify for TANF benefits. Here are questions you should ask. The GIC also offers Spanish-language publications.