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 Maryland
Maryland programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Maryland Department of Human Services
Child Support Services
Child Support Services helps parents establish and manage child support orders and payments.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Medical Assistance Program
Medical Assistance provides health coverage to eligible Maryland residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Children's Health Program
In Maryland, CHIP is called MCHP.
MCHP provides health coverage to eligible children and pregnant people.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Health Connection
In Maryland, the health insurance marketplace is called Maryland Health Connection.
Maryland Health Connection is the state's marketplace for health coverage and financial help with coverage costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Maryland Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In Maryland, SNAP is called Food Supplement Program.
The Food Supplement Program is Maryland's name for SNAP and helps eligible households buy food with an EBT card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Maryland Department of Human Services
Temporary Cash Assistance
In Maryland, TANF is called TCA.
TCA gives eligible families with children temporary cash assistance and employment support.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Maryland State Department of Education
Child Care Scholarship Program
The Child Care Scholarship Program helps eligible families pay for child care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Maryland Rental Assistance and Housing Choice Voucher Resources
DHCD provides housing resources and directs residents to local agencies that administer rental subsidies.
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
- Maryland 2-1-1
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