Not that I know of. You could be on forever. However there are stipulations. Eligibility is determined by the amount of income available, savings, mutal funds, bonds, stocks, cash at hand, low paying job etc. Then you factor in the AG size, or household size. Which is determined by the USDA. Here's another link. http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/government/FY09_Income_Standards.htm Basically what that says, is if you are in a household, (note *not family*) of say 4, your combined income has to be under $1,767.00 a month. You must report all income up front, in order to receive assistance, which is determined by an eligibility specialist. They then determine what you are eligible to receive. The person must report, changes in the household, job start or stops, and any income that could change eligibility. They are required to come back every three to sixth months for re-determination. Oh if if you fail to report something that would change your eligibility, uncle sam will come after you, and get his money back. It might take a while, but it does happen.