Some Iowa welfare recipients see double payments in error

DES MOINES -- Iowa Department of Human Services officials are warning recipients of a welfare program that the double payment they received in error last week will be spread over two months.

About 13,400 clients of the Family Investment Program received their regular monthly payment twice – once through a regular check, and once through a card similar to a debit card that is replacing the paper check system.

New cards were mailed out to some clients on Dec. 28. The error occurred three days later when information technology system staff failed to shut down the system that automatically mails checks.

A letter explaining the error is expected to be sent to recipients Tuesday.

Officials said that recipients who access both payments will not receive a benefit in February. Recipients have the option of returning the check they received if they choose.

The FIP program provides cash assistance to needy families as they work to become self-supporting. The average benefit is about $327 per month.

State officials are moving electronic payments to save on postage and increase accuracy in the program.