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 Illinois
Illinois programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Child Support Services
Child Support Services helps parents establish and collect financial support for their children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Medical Assistance Program
Illinois Medicaid pays for health care for eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
All Kids
In Illinois, CHIP is called All Kids.
All Kids provides health coverage to eligible children in Illinois.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Illinois Department of Insurance
Get Covered Illinois
In Illinois, the health insurance marketplace is called Get Covered Illinois.
Get Covered Illinois lets residents compare and enroll in ACA health insurance plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Illinois Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food using an Illinois Link card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Illinois Department of Human Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides cash help to eligible families with children and pregnant people.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Illinois Department of Human Services
Child Care Assistance Program
CCAP helps eligible families pay for child care while they work or attend school or training.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Illinois Housing Development Authority
Rental Housing Support Program
The program funds local partners that provide rental assistance to eligible households.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn 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 Illinois
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