PAYNE v. FLA DEPT OF CHILDREN FAMILY SERVICES (2004)

Linda Payne appeals from a final administrative order requiring her to reimburse the Department of Children & Families (Department) for the overpayment of aid for dependent children (AFDC) benefits.   We affirm.

In the instant case, Payne received cash assistance benefits from the Florida Department of Children & Families in the sum of $1,080 as a result of Department error.   Payne had cared for the child in question since birth, but was not blood related to the child.   This made her ineligible for benefits.   Pursuant to the Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code and the Code of Federal Regulations, the Agency is required to recoup these overpayments.   See Willis v. Dept. of Children & Family Serv., 735 So.2d 585 (Fla. 3d DCA 1999);  see also Lewis v. State, Dept. of Health & Rehabilitative Servs., 659 So.2d 1255 (Fla. 4th DCA 1995).   As in Willis, we find that Ms. Payne must reimburse the Department for the erroneous payment of benefits.

Although we must affirm the Department's final order, we acknowledge that the Department has caused the error, and that Ms. Payne will now have to repay the Department at a time when she is struggling to provide for the minor child for whom she is serving as a legal guardian.   As we did in Willis, we pause to sympathize with Ms. Payne and believe that her frustration with the situation created by the Department is well founded.

Affirmed.

PER CURIAM.