(a)      The Social Services Administration shall establish, implement and modify as necessary a program of State funded assistance payments to residents of the State of Maryland whose income and benefits are not sufficient to maintain a reasonable subsistence compatible with decency and health, and who (1) are eligible for or receive cash benefits under Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act, or (2) are aged, blind, or disabled as required under Title XVI of the Social Security Act and, but for income, would receive cash benefits under that title; such program to be known as public assistance to adults.

      (b)      The program established in paragraph (a) shall be in effect in all political subdivisions of this State and shall be administered by the local units in conformity with rules and regulations of the Social Services Administration.

      (c)      Eligibility and all other requirements not set forth in this subtitle shall be established by rules and regulations of the Social Services Administration.

      (d)      Support from children shall be regarded as a potential resource and evaluated as to amount and availability, as determined by rule and regulation of the State Administration.

      (e)      An applicant may not make an assignment or transfer of property for the purpose of rendering himself eligible for assistance under this section at any time within 3 years immediately prior to the filing of application for assistance or the receipt of assistance pursuant to the provisions of this article.