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 Oregon
Oregon programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Oregon Department of Justice
Child Support Services
Oregon Child Support Services helps parents establish and manage child support orders.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Oregon Department of Human Services
Oregon Health Plan
In Oregon, Medicaid is called OHP.
OHP provides eligible Oregon residents with medical, dental, prescription and behavioral health coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Oregon Department of Human Services
Children’s Health Insurance Program
In Oregon, CHIP is called OHP Plus.
Oregon covers eligible children through OHP, which includes the state's CHIP coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Oregon Health Authority
Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace
The Marketplace helps residents compare health plans and find financial help with coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Oregon Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP provides monthly food benefits on an Oregon EBT card to eligible households.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Oregon Department of Human Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides cash assistance and services to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Early Learning and Care
Employment Related Day Care
ERDC helps eligible families pay part of their child care costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Oregon Housing and Community Services
Rental Assistance and Homelessness Services
OHCS funds local partners that may provide rent help, shelter and homelessness services.
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.
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.
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
- 211info
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