Any sums paid to or on behalf of any person under the provisions of N.H. Rev. Stat. Chapter 167 as a result of any false statement, misrepresentation or concealment of or failure to disclose the receipt of property, wages, income or resources by such person or by any person legally liable for his or her support may be recovered through administrative or judicial process, in an action brought by the state or the commissioner of the department of health or human services, or his or her designee, against such person. The commissioner of the department of health and human services shall recover any unauthorized payments pursuant to applicable federal and state law by either reasonably adjusting current and future grant amounts received by the person violating the provisions of this section, or through repayment to the department during such time the person is not currently receiving public assistance. A person who knowingly, and with malfeasance, assists a recipient or another person in obtaining an overpayment shall be jointly and severally liable for the overpayment unless prohibited by federal law.