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 Washington
Washington programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Child Support Services
The Division of Child Support helps parents establish and collect child support.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Health Care Authority
Washington Apple Health
In Washington, Medicaid is called Apple Health.
Apple Health provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Washington residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Health Care Authority
Apple Health for Kids
In Washington, CHIP is called Apple Health for Kids.
Apple Health for Kids provides health coverage to eligible children in Washington.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Basic Food
In Washington, SNAP is called Basic Food.
Basic Food helps eligible households pay for groceries.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Working Connections Child Care
WCCC helps eligible families pay for child care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and Washington State Department of Commerce
Housing and Essential Needs Referral
Also: Tenant-Based Rental Assistance
The HEN program connects eligible people who cannot work with essential-needs and housing-related services.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn 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.
Food banks, shelters, clinics and more near you are in Help nearby. Open Help nearby
Talk to a person
- Washington 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