(a) A person may apply for General Assistance to the person or persons designated for that purpose by the Commissioner.
(b) When a person designated by the Commissioner pursuant to subsection (a) of this section receives an application for General Assistance or is informed that a person is in need of General Assistance the person so designated shall investigate and make a determination as to the applicant’s eligibility for General Assistance, and provide under rules of the Department emergency assistance as may be required.