Section 16C. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, to the maximum extent allowed by federal law, the commonwealth, including any department, board, commission, division or authority or subdivision thereof, may, subject to appropriation, provide state or local public benefits within the meaning of section 411(c) of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act to any person, whether or not such person is a citizen or is a qualified alien within the meaning of section 431 of said Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1641, but only to the extent that such person otherwise satisfies the applicable criteria for such benefits.