(a) Upon the completion of the investigation under Code Section 49-4-9, the county department shall decide whether the applicant is eligible for assistance under this article and determine, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Board of Human Resources, the amount and kind of such assistance and the date on which such assistance shall begin. After a determination has been made as to the eligibility for and the type and amount of assistance to be provided, such assistance shall be furnished with reasonable promptness to all eligible persons in accordance with regulations of the board.

(b) Money payments of public assistance shall be made by check or electronic transfer in accordance with the regulations of the board.