Iowa Code » Chapter 252 — SUPPORT OF THE POOR
Iowa Code

Iowa Code § 252.1 (2026)

“Poor person” defined

✓ current as of July 2026
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The words “poor” and “poor person” as used in this chapter shall be construed to mean those who have no property, exempt or otherwise, and are unable, because of physical or mental disabilities, to earn a living by labor; but this section shall not be construed to forbid aid to needy persons who have some means, when the board shall be of opinion that the same will be conducive to their welfare and the best interests of the public. [C97, §2252; C24, 27, 31, 35, §5297; C39, §3828.073; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §252.1]

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252.2 through 252.9 Repealed by 2015 Acts, ch 14, §3.

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252.10 through 252.12 Reserved.

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Notes of Decisions
Cited in 10 cases, 1949–1995 · leading case: Davis Ex Rel. Grant v. Davis, 67 N.W.2d 566 (Iowa 1954).
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Davis Ex Rel. Grant v. Davis, 67 N.W.2d 566 (Iowa 1954). · cites it 4× “Section 252.1 in chapter 252 defines "poor person" as "those who have no property, exempt or otherwise, and are unable, because of physical or mental disabilities, to earn a living by labor".”
In Re Est. of Frentress, 89 N.W.2d 367 (Iowa 1958). · cites it 6× “1, Code, 1954 (section 5297, Code, 1935), provides: “The words ‘poor’ and ‘poor person’ as used in this chapter shall be construed to mean those who have no property, exempt or otherwise, and are unable, because of physical or mental disabilities, to earn a living by labor; but…”
Jones v. Madison Cnty., 492 N.W.2d 690 (Iowa 1992). · cites it 6× “See Iowa Code § 252.1 . IV. Due Process. In our review of the due process issue we will assume Jones has a legitimate claim for benefits under the authority given by statute and the guidelines adopted by the county board.”
Bengford Ex Rel. Bengford v. Carlem Corp., 156 N.W.2d 855 (Iowa 1968). · cites it 2× “"It is earnestly argued that Harry was not an employee but a legally dependent person (under sections 252.1 and 252.2, I.C.A.) due to the crippled condition of his leg; that he had tried but had been unable to make a living by working for others; that he has been in the…”
Daniels v. Woodbury Cnty., 742 F.2d 1128 (8th Cir. 1984). · cites it 2× “This definition is derived from Iowa Code § 252.1 (1969), which provides: The words "poor” and “poor person” as used in this chapter shall be construed to mean those who have no property, exempt or otherwise, and are unable, because of physical or mental disabilities, to earn a…”
State Ex Rel. Palmer v. Howard Cnty., 539 N.W.2d 165 (Iowa 1995). · cites it 2× “See Iowa Code § 252.1 (“The words ‘poor ’ and ‘poor person ’ as used in this chapter shall be construed to mean those who have no property, exempt or otherwise, and are unable, because of physical or mental disabilities, to earn a living by labor_”).”
Crum v. Walker, 44 N.W.2d 701 (Iowa 1950). “) due to tbe crippled condition of Ms leg; that he had tried but had been unable to make a living by worMng for others; that he has been in the hospital; but that excepting for a few months he has lived at home all his life.”
Butler Cnty. v. Strange, 221 N.W.2d 281 (Iowa 1974). “However, the present action is not one which can be maintained under Chapter 252, and the petition therefore should have been dismissed on the ground urged in the first division of the motion — that the assistance furnished under Chapter 239 cannot be recovered under Chapter 252.”
Hardin Cnty. v. Franklin Cnty., 492 N.W.2d 407 (Iowa 1992). · cites it 2× “, a “poor person” under Iowa Code section 252.1 (1991). The court determined that Hardin County was his legal settlement, and it appealed.”
Addy ex rel. Addy v. Addy, 36 N.W.2d 352 (Iowa 1949). · cites it 2× “The effect of this argument is that a father is under no enforceable duty to support his child unless the latter is “de *264 pendent, neglected, or delinquent” or a “poor person” or unless a third party seeks recovery under section 597.”
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