Hi. I would not worry about it. Just study and do your best. If your GREs, your grades in your major, and your grades in your last two years are good, and if you are perceived to be a good fit for the program you are applying to, you will be competitive. People have breaks in their education for all sorts of reasons. Are you able to do any part time work (paid or volunteer) in the area you are interested in? That will help.

My brother had a break of about 12 years before finishing his B.S. in engineering. He went on to do a master's in a very prestigious program. He was working in his field during that break, which probably helped. I have known others with long breaks. Making direct contact with a faculty member in the program you are applying to can't hurt.

rockgal