Which is a feature of TANF (1996)?

• A. It imposes a 5-year lifetime limit
• B. It has no time limits
• C. It guarantees permanent benefits
• D. It provides universal child care

Answer: (A)

TANF is designed to limit welfare reliance by placing a lifetime cap on benefits. The defining feature is a 5-year (60-month) limit per family for cash assistance, with possible exceptions for hardship or state-defined circumstances. This reflects the shift to time-limited support tied to work requirements, rather than a guaranteed, permanent entitlement. It does not provide universal childcare, and benefits are not permanent, so statements claiming no time limits, permanent guarantees, or universal childcare don’t fit.