Recipients of assistance who are approved by the department of health and human services for residential care facility or community residence payments shall be allowed to retain from their income an amount not less than the amount established by the commissioner of the department of health and human services as provided in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 167:27-a as the monthly allowance for their personal needs, in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner of the department of health and human services pursuant to RSA 541-A. This amount shall not be used to reimburse facilities for the cost of care or room and board.