The department shall exercise the options to purchase such securities or accept an assignment of such securities when it finds that the owner of the securities is a resident of this state and is in need of public assistance, or who but for the ownership of such securities would qualify for public assistance. If the department exercises an option to purchase such security, the purchase price shall be paid out, at par value, as a relief payment. Where the department accepts an assignment of such security as provided in this section it shall pay out as relief an amount equal to the par value of the security assigned. The relief furnished, whether by money or otherwise, shall be at such times and in such amounts as will in the discretion of the department meet the needs of the recipient and protect the public. The department is authorized to exercise the options to purchase assigned to it in whole or in part, or to accept an assignment of such securities in whole or in part. The department is granted such authority as may be necessary and convenient to enable it to exercise the functions and perform the duties required of it by this section, including without limitation because of enumeration the authority to promulgate rules governing eligibility and the furnishing and paying of relief under this section, the authority to enter into suitable agreements with the owner of the security or other appropriate persons for the purpose of carrying out this section, and the authority to sell or transfer the securities or defend and prosecute all actions concerning it and pay all just claims against it and do all other things necessary for the protection, preservation and management of the securities.