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How to Manage Linked vs. Unlinked Assistances

Learn the difference between linked and unlinked assistances and how to manage them to ensure accurate service tracking and reporting.

What this feature does

Linked and unlinked assistances allow organizations to record services with the appropriate level of association. This flexibility ensures that all services are captured accurately, whether they are delivered to a specific client, within a program, or at the organization level.

Understanding linked vs. unlinked assistances

Linked Assistances

Linked assistances are associated with a specific client, program, or program enrollment. These records provide detailed insights into individual service delivery and support outcome-based reporting.

Use linked assistances when:

  • Services are delivered directly to a specific client.
  • Support is provided within the context of a program.
  • Reporting requires client- or program-level outcomes.
  • You want to track individual engagement and progress.

Examples:

  • Counseling session for a client.
  • Financial assistance provided through a housing program.
  • Safety planning conducted during a program enrollment.

Unlinked Assistances

Unlinked assistances are not associated with a specific client but may still be recorded at the organization level. These are ideal for capturing services that benefit groups or external individuals.

Use unlinked assistances when:

  • Services are delivered to groups (e.g., workshops or outreach events).
  • Support is provided to individuals not registered as clients.
  • Organization-wide activities need to be tracked.
  • Reporting focuses on overall service outputs rather than individual outcomes.

Examples:

  • Community outreach event.
  • Group training session.
  • Distribution of informational materials.
  • Hotline support for anonymous individuals.

 

How to create a linked assistance

Access any of the following articles to learn how to create linked assistances:

  • How to Assign an Assistance at Organization Level 
  • How To Assign an Assistance at Program Level  
  • How to Assign an Assistance at Client Level

 

How to create an unlinked assistance

  1. Navigate to the Assistances dashboard 
  2. Click + Add Assistance.
  3. In the Details section:
    • Leave the Client field empty, or
    • Toggle External Individual Assisted if the service was provided to someone not registered in the system.

4. Complete the remaining fields and click Create Assistance.

Why this matters

Managing linked and unlinked assistances helps organizations:

  • Capture the full scope of services delivered.
  • Maintain accurate and flexible reporting.
  • Support VOCA and HMIS compliance.
  • Distinguish between individual and group service delivery.
  • Improve visibility into organizational impact.

 

Tips / Best Practices

  • Link assistances whenever possible to support detailed outcome tracking.
  • Use unlinked assistances for group or community-based services.
  • Apply the External Individual Assisted toggle when serving individuals not registered as clients.
  • Maintain consistent assistance types for reliable reporting.
  • Regularly review assistance records to ensure accurate associations.

 

Related Articles

Need more help?

If you need assistance managing linked or unlinked assistances, please contact your Organization Administrator or reach out to our Support Team through the in-platform chat and select “Report an issue.”