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 York
New York programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Child Support Services
The Child Support Program helps parents establish and manage child support orders and payments.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
New York State Department of Health
Medicaid
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible New Yorkers.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New York State Department of Health
Child Health Plus
In New York, CHIP is called Child Health Plus.
Child Health Plus provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New York State Department of Health
New York State of Health Marketplace
In New York, the health insurance marketplace is called NY State of Health.
NY State of Health lets residents compare and enroll in private health plans and public coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP provides monthly food benefits to eligible households.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Temporary Assistance
In New York, TANF is called Family Assistance and Safety Net Assistance.
Temporary Assistance provides cash help to eligible families and adults with little income.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
Child Care Assistance
Child care assistance helps eligible families pay for child care while they work or attend approved activities.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
New York State Homes and Community Renewal
Rental Assistance and Homelessness Prevention
HCR offers housing programs and resources that may help renters facing housing costs or instability.
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 New York
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