§21A-10-2. Assignment of benefits invalid; exemption from process; exception.

(a) An assignment, pledge or encumbrance of any benefit due or payable under this chapter is invalid. Right to benefits is exempt from levy, execution, attachment or other processes for the collection of debt. Benefits received by an individual so long as they are not mingled with other funds of the recipient, are exempt from process for the collection of a debt. The waiver of any exemption provided in this section is void.

(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section do not apply to:

(1) The assignment or collection of child support payments under the provisions of section sixteen, article six of this chapter;

(2) A levy by the internal revenue service authorized by 26 U.S.C. §6331 subsection (h); or

(3) Collection of debts incurred for necessaries furnished to an individual, the individual's spouse or dependents, during a period of unemployment.