It is the intent of this article to set forth the amount of personal or real property, or both, which an applicant for, or recipient of, public assistance may retain and remain eligible to receive public assistance provided he meets the other eligibility requirements for the category of public assistance for which he or she is an applicant or recipient.
In the formulation of any regulations pursuant to this article and in the administration thereof, consideration shall be given to the ability and circumstances of the applicant or recipient in order that undue hardship is not imposed upon
any applicant or recipient in making plans to comply with the provisions of this article. No applicant or recipient shall be considered ineligible for retaining property where disposition would alter or impair reasonable access to, or the normal use of, his or her home.
This article does not apply to aid to families with dependent children or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12000) or Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 14000) of this part, unless otherwise expressly indicated.