State Ex Rel. Iowa Department of Human Services v. Pierce

HARRIS, Justice.

Defendants had been receiving public assistance but became ineligible when one of them inherited some property. Although defendants made timely and full disclosure, the State agency, through its own error, continued to pay benefits for two months. The question is whether the agency can recover the two months’ payments. The trial court held it can and we agree.

The benefits were in the form of aid to families with dependent children (AFDC). Defendants, Marlene Kay Pierce and Timothy Craig Pierce, began receiving AFDC benefits in 1986. In August of that year Marlene told her case…