49-4-7. Receipt of compensation for residence sold by government action not to affect eligibility.

Notwithstanding any other law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, an individual who is otherwise qualified to receive any public assistance administered by the department shall not become ineligible to continue to receive such benefits because of the receipt of compensation by such individual from the sale or acquisition of any real estate used as the residence of such individual as the result of displacement through the necessity of governmental action which directly or indirectly causes the sale or acquisition of such property. Such individual may receive such compensation; hold, invest, and reinvest the proceeds thereof in any manner whatsoever; and continue to receive such benefits if he shall remain otherwise qualified; provided, however, this article shall not become effective until approved by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.