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 New Mexico
New Mexico programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
New Mexico Health Care Authority
Child Support Services
Child Support Services helps parents establish and enforce child support orders.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Mexico Health Care Authority
Medicaid
In New Mexico, Medicaid is called Turquoise Care.
Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible New Mexico residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Mexico Health Care Authority
New Mexico Children’s Health Insurance Program
CHIP provides health coverage for eligible children whose families do not qualify for Medicaid.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange
New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange
In New Mexico, the health insurance marketplace is called beWellnm.
beWellnm helps residents compare and enroll in private health plans and available financial help.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
New Mexico Health Care Authority
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for groceries.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Mexico Health Care Authority
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides cash assistance and services to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department
Child Care Assistance
Child Care Assistance helps eligible families pay for child care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
Office of Housing programs
The Office of Housing coordinates state housing investments and programs, including assistance delivered through local partners.
Ways to apply:In 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
- NM211
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