The period a person can receive TANF money depends on the state. For example, in Texas, depending on the applicant’s level of education, job experience, and personal or financial status, the maximum length of time they can receive TANF benefits is between 12 and 36 months. In the case of minors, there are no time constraints. To qualify for TANF, a kid typically must be under 18.

You can’t use TANF money to buy anything you think you need. For example, alcohol, tobacco products, lottery tickets, adult entertainment, firearms, ammunition, bingo, and illicit narcotics are just some of the things that you can’t spend TANF money on.

No state may provide financial assistance from federal TANF monies to a family consisting of an adult beneficiary for more than 60 months, despite states having the power to adopt their own time limit laws. However, governments can go above that for up to 20% of households based on hardship.