Skip to main content
Front Door
Choose a state

All life events

Divorce or separation

Health coverage, child support and money when a household splits.

What to do first

  1. Check whose health plan covers you and your children, and what changes.
  2. Ask your state's child support office for help setting up support.
  3. If your income dropped, apply for food benefits, Medicaid or cash help.
  4. If you change your name, update it with Social Security first, then your ID.
  5. Get free legal help before you sign an agreement.

Which state are you in?

We show your state's programs. We remember your state in this browser only.

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.gov

  • 60 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

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.

    Official page Call 1-800-772-1213

  • 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.

    Official page

  • 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.

    Official page

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

    HealthCare.gov

    The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.

    Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.

    Apply on HealthCare.gov Call 1-800-318-2596

Checked on October 9, 2026

Help near you

Checked on October 9, 2026