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 Connecticut
Connecticut programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Child Support Services
The Office of Child Support Services helps families establish and manage child support services.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Connecticut Department of Social Services
HUSKY Health
In Connecticut, Medicaid is called HUSKY A, C, and D.
HUSKY Health provides Medicaid health coverage to eligible Connecticut residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Connecticut Department of Social Services
HUSKY B
In Connecticut, CHIP is called HUSKY B.
HUSKY B provides health coverage to eligible children and teens.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Access Health CT
Qualified Health Plan Marketplace
In Connecticut, the health insurance marketplace is called Access Health CT.
Access Health CT lets residents compare and enroll in health and dental insurance plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for groceries each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Temporary Family Assistance
In Connecticut, TANF is called TFA.
TFA provides cash assistance to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood
Care 4 Kids
Care 4 Kids helps eligible families pay for child care while they work or attend approved activities.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Connecticut Department of Housing
Rental Assistance Program
RAP helps eligible very low-income families pay rent in private housing.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn 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
- United Way of Connecticut 211
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