Any assignment by a member or beneficiary of any allowance or benefit payable under the terms of this part shall be null and void. Each such allowance and benefit shall be for the support of the member or beneficiary entitled thereto and shall be exempt from the claims of creditors of such member and beneficiary, provided, if the provisions of this section are contrary to the laws governing a particular set of circumstances, as to that set of circumstances, any allowance or benefit payable hereunder shall be exempt to the maximum extent permitted by law.