Any assignment, pledge, or encumbrance of any right to benefits which are or may become due or payable under this chapter shall be void. Such rights to benefits shall be exempt from levy, execution, attachment, or any other remedy whatsoever provided for the collection of debt except child support obligations as described in Code Section 34-8-198 and overpayment for benefits as described in Code Section 34-8-254; and benefits received by any individual, so long as they are not mingled with other funds of the recipient, shall be exempt from any remedy whatsoever for the collection of all debts except debts incurred for necessities furnished to such individual or his or her spouse or dependents during the time when such individual was unemployed. No waiver of any exemption provided for in this Code section shall be valid.