Divorce or separation
What to do first
- Check whose health plan covers you and your children, and what changes.
- Ask your state's child support office for help setting up support.
- If your income dropped, apply for food benefits, Medicaid or cash help.
- If you change your name, update it with Social Security first, then your ID.
- Get free legal help before you sign an agreement.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
Health coverage
If the divorce or separation means you lose your health plan, you can sign up for a Marketplace plan. You have 60 days.
Source: HealthCare.gov60 days
Keeping a spouse on a job's plan (COBRA)
To keep COBRA for a spouse after a divorce or legal separation, the plan must be told. Plans set the deadline, but it can be no shorter than 60 days, so tell the plan within 60 days.
Source: DOL.gov
Help from California
California programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
California Department of Child Support Services
Child Support Services
County child support agencies help parents establish and manage child support orders and payments.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Health Care Services
Medi-Cal
In California, Medicaid is called Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Californians.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Health Care Services
Medi-Cal for Children and Teens
In California, CHIP is called Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal covers eligible children and teens who meet the program rules.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Health Benefit Exchange
Covered California Health Insurance Marketplace
In California, the health insurance marketplace is called Covered California.
Covered California helps residents compare and enroll in private health plans and financial assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Social Services
CalFresh
In California, SNAP is called CalFresh.
CalFresh helps eligible households buy food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Social Services
CalWORKs
In California, TANF is called CalWORKs.
CalWORKs provides cash assistance and services to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Social Services
Child Care and Development Programs
California helps eligible families pay for child care through local agencies and programs.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
California Department of Housing and Community Development
Housing and Rental Assistance Programs
HCD funds housing programs that help eligible residents access affordable housing and rental support.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
SSA.gov
A new name on your Social Security card
A new Social Security card with your new name is free. Change it with Social Security before you change your driver license or ID.
SSA.gov
Benefits from a former spouse
If you were married 10 years or longer, you may get Social Security on your former spouse's work record later on.
LSC.gov
Free legal help
Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- 211 California
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988