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■ TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF TANF 435.2 Criteria for Establishing a Substantial Connection (toc) In establishing the substantial connection, the case manager must consult with or refer the case to a social worker (if appropriate) to ensure all necessary issues and/or need for services are assessed and reflected in the Personal Responsibility Plan. The following list provides for the circumstances under which a substantial connection between the battery or cruelty and the need for public benefits exists for a battered non-citizen who is the: ● applicant, ● applicant’s child, or ● applicant’s parent (in the case of a non-citizen child). 1. When the benefits are needed to enable the above individual(s) to become self-sufficient following separation from the abuser. 2. Where the benefits are needed to enable the above individual(s) to escape the abuser and/or the community in which the abuser lives, or to ensure their safety from the abuser. 3. Where the benefits are needed due to a loss of financial support resulting from the above individual(s)’s separation from the abuser. 4. Where the benefits are needed because the battery or cruelty, separation from the abuser, or work absences or lower job performance resulting from the battery or extreme cruelty or from legal proceedings related to it (including child support or child custody disputes) cause the above individual(s) to lose their job or requires them to leave their job for safety reasons. 5. Where the benefits are needed because the above individual(s) requires medical attention or mental health counseling, or has become disabled as a result of the battery or cruelty. 6. Where the benefits are needed because the loss of a dwelling or source of income or fear of the abuser following separation from the abuser jeopardizes the applicant’s and/or applicant’s parent(s)’s (in the case of a non-citizen child) ability to care for their children. Examples: Inability to house, feed or clothe children or put children into day care for fear of being found by the abuser. 7. Where the benefits are needed to alleviate nutritional risk or need resulting from the abuse or following separation from the abuser. 8. Where the benefits are needed to provide medical care during a pregnancy resulting from the abuser’s sexual assault or abuse of or relationship with the above individual(s) and/or to care for any resulting children. 9. Where medical coverage and/or health care services are needed to replace medical coverage or health care services the above individual(s) had when living with the abuser. A-435.2 CITIZENSHIP Criteria for Establishing a Substantial Connection Division of Social Services Eligibility and Payments Manual 01 May 26 MTL 06/26