334 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 145

22. Investigation of Applications. Whenever a County
Board receives an application for assistance under this sub-
title, #n investigation and record shall promptly be made
of the circumstances of the applicant to ascertain the facts
supporting the application made under this sub-title and
such other information as may be required by the rules
of the State Board.

23. Granting of Assistance. Upon the completion of
such investigation, the County Board shall decide whether
the applicant is eligible for public assistance under the pro-
visions of this sub-title, and determine the amount of such
assistance and the date on which such assistance shall
begin.

24. Payment for Benefit of Recipient. If the recipient
or applicant is found incapable of taking care of himself
or his money, the County Board may designate a, respon-
sible person to whom the installments of the public assist-
ance shall be paid for the benefit of the recipient.

25. Funeral Expenses. On the death of the recipient,
reasonable funeral expenses, not exceeding One Hundred
Dollars ($100. 00), may, subject to the rules and regula-
tions of the State Board, be paid by the County Board, if
the estate of the deceased is insufficient to pay the same
and the persons legally responsible for the support of the
deceased are unable to pay the same.

26. Assistance Not Assignable. All assistance given
under this sub-title shall not be transferable or assignable,
at law or in equity, and none of the money paid or payable
under this sub-title shall be subject to execution, levy, at-
tachment, garnishment or other legal process, or to the
operation of any bankruptcy or insolvency law.

27. Appeal to the State Board. The County Board shall
at once report to the State Board its decision upon such
application. If an application is not acted upon by the
County Board within a reasonable time after the filing of
the application, or is denied or revoked, the applicant may
appeal to the State Board in the manner and form pre-
scribed by the State Board. The State Board shall upon
receipt of such an appeal give the applicant an opportunity
for a fair hearing. The State Board may also upon its own
motion review any decision of a County Board, and may