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 Colorado
Colorado programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Colorado Department of Human Services
Colorado Child Support Services
Child Support Services helps establish, collect, and enforce child support orders.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Health First Colorado
In Colorado, Medicaid is called Health First Colorado.
Health First Colorado provides health coverage to eligible Colorado residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Child Health Plan Plus
In Colorado, CHIP is called CHP+.
CHP+ provides low-cost health coverage to eligible children and pregnant people who do not qualify for Medicaid.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado
In Colorado, the health insurance marketplace is called Connect for Health Colorado.
Connect for Health Colorado lets residents compare and enroll in individual health insurance plans and apply for financial help.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Colorado Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In Colorado, SNAP is called Food Assistance.
Food Assistance helps eligible households buy groceries each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Colorado Department of Human Services
Colorado Works
In Colorado, TANF is called Colorado Works.
Colorado Works provides eligible families with cash and help preparing for work.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Colorado Department of Early Childhood
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
CCCAP helps eligible families pay for child care while they work, attend school, or take part in training.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Rental Assistance Resources
The Division of Housing lists rental assistance resources and housing programs available in Colorado.
Ways to apply:Phone
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
- 2-1-1 Colorado
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