I cannot imagine what would have happened to my two children without Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and MaineCare. My son has been diagnosed with Asperger’s and psychosis. I’m alone trying to take care of my children and on several occasions I have needed help from TANF.

The Maine Legislature is currently considering a lifetime limit on TANF of five years. While that may sound like a long time, for someone with children who have disabilities, it is not. I have received TANF off and on and am probably very close to that five-year time limit.

Since August, my hours at work have increased to the point where I don’t receive TANF. While it is difficult to manage my son’s many medical appointments and work, so far, I have managed. But what would happen if my hours get cut or my son suffers a serious setback which requires me to be with him more?

I am working and I want to work, but having a child with serious disabilities makes it difficult to know whether I will be able to continue working. Like any parent, taking care of my children has to be my first priority. And what happens to my two children and me if there is no safety net program such as TANF?

Many people believe terrible things about people on TANF, but we are just a family trying to build a better life.

Legislators must reject such one-size-fits-all time limits.

Catherine Greenwald, Livermore Falls