A. Upon the completion of the investigation, the department shall decide whether the applicant is eligible for assistance and shall determine the amount and the date on which the assistance shall begin. It shall make an award which shall be binding until the award is modified or vacated. The department shall notify the applicant of its decision in writing.
B. All grants of assistance shall be mailed so as to reasonably assure that they will be received on the date due. If the due date falls on a weekend or a holiday, then the grant shall be mailed so as to reasonably assure its receipt on the last regular banking date immediately preceding the due date.