The loans are disbursed in phases to ensure that the receiving country moves forward with the reforms required of it. Loans are generally granted for relatively short periods of time, for just a few months, or for as long as ten years, depending on the type of loan. The receiving country must pay back loans on time, on a rigorous schedule, because the loans are intended to be temporary assistance.
Countries are discouraged from becoming dependent on IMF loans, and, in fact, may face extra charges if too much of their government funding comes from the IMF. Rather, the IMF hopes to play a role as a catalyst for private banks to lend to governments, because the extension of an IMF loan is intended to express confidence that the receiving country is getting its financial house in order.