Unless otherwise prohibited by federal law or regulation, prior to the department awarding public assistance benefits, an applicant shall complete a computerized identity authentication process to confirm the identity of the applicant. Identity authentication shall be accomplished through a knowledge-based questionnaire consisting of financial and personal questions. The questionnaire shall contain questions tailored to assist persons without a bank account or those who have poor access to financial and banking services or who do not have an established credit history. The computerized identity authentication process and questionnaire may be completed and submitted online, in person, or via telephone by the applicant or a person authorized by the applicant. The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to administer this section.