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 Massachusetts
Massachusetts programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Department of Revenue, Child Support Services Division
Child Support Services
The department helps parents establish, change, and enforce child support orders.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
MassHealth
MassHealth
In Massachusetts, Medicaid is called MassHealth.
MassHealth provides health coverage to eligible Massachusetts residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
MassHealth
MassHealth CHIP
In Massachusetts, CHIP is called MassHealth.
MassHealth covers eligible children and teens through the Children's Health Insurance Program.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Massachusetts Health Connector
Massachusetts Health Connector
In Massachusetts, the health insurance marketplace is called Health Connector.
The Health Connector helps residents compare and enroll in private health and dental plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Transitional Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Transitional Assistance
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children
In Massachusetts, TANF is called TAFDC.
TAFDC gives eligible families with children cash assistance and related supports.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Child Care Financial Assistance
Child care financial assistance helps eligible families pay for child care and out-of-school programs.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
RAFT
Also: State Public Housing and Rental Vouchers
RAFT provides short-term financial help to eligible households facing housing instability.
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
- Mass 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