Which program provides financial assistance to families for a limited duration?

The program that provides financial assistance to families for a limited duration is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, commonly known as TANF. TANF is designed to help low-income families achieve self-sufficiency by providing temporary financial support while also promoting job preparation, work, and personal responsibility.

TANF benefits are temporary and have time limits; typically, a family can receive assistance for a maximum of 60 months (5 years) in their lifetime, although some states may have shorter durations. This structure is intended to encourage recipients to find employment and become self-sufficient, rather than relying on government assistance indefinitely.

In contrast, other mentioned programs serve different purposes. Medicaid provides health coverage for eligible low-income individuals and families, without a strict time limit. Medicare is primarily a health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, and it does not provide direct financial assistance to families. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program that provides financial assistance to individuals with disabilities or limited income, but it does not have the temporary time limits characteristic of TANF.