(a) Claims for reimbursement for assistance or benefits, not subject to the provisions of Parts 620 through 638 of this Title, provided to recipients of assistance and care or other eligible individuals, shall be claimed for reimbursement on schedules and formats prescribed by the department and in accordance with instructions of the department. However, the department shall not be precluded from accepting claims for reimbursement in a format which deviates from such instructions, if any, of the department. Amounts subject to reimbursement shall be claimed in accordance with State and Federal law and regulation, and unless otherwise specifically directed by the department, shall be claimed in a manner that results in the greatest proportion of Federal participation or alternatively shall be claimed in a manner that does not increase the amount of State reimbursement which would be available if Federal participation were available.

(b) Expenditures made by social services districts for assistance, benefits provided to recipients of assistance and care or other eligible individuals or entities, shall be subject to reimbursement by the State in accordance with applicable State law and department directives and instructions pertaining thereto.