WASHINGTON — The D.C. Council is considering a request from Mayor Vincent Gray to delay cutting aid to long-term welfare recipients who have been receiving public assistance for at least five years.

District lawmakers passed legislation in 2011 to reduce aid by 20 percent for families who have been in the program for more than five years. The change would bring the district closer in line with much of the rest of the nation by cutting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

Gray’s request for a delay will go before the council Tuesday. City officials say they need to further assess needy families. About 6,500 families have received support for at least five years.

The request for a delay in cuts renews debate over how to ensure families view the aid as temporary.

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