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 Hawaii
Hawaii programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Child Support Enforcement Agency, Hawaii Department of the Attorney General
Child Support Services
The agency helps establish and enforce child support orders and process support payments.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Med-QUEST Division, Hawaii Department of Human Services
Medicaid
In Hawaii, Medicaid is called QUEST Integration.
Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible Hawaii residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Med-QUEST Division, Hawaii Department of Human Services
Children's Health Insurance Program
In Hawaii, CHIP is called S-CHIP.
S-CHIP provides health coverage to eligible children in Hawaii.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
HealthCare.gov
Affordable Care Act Marketplace
Hawaii residents can use the federal marketplace to compare and enroll in private health insurance plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Hawaii Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households buy food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Hawaii Department of Human Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Also: Temporary Assistance for Other Needy Families
TANF provides monthly cash assistance to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Hawaii Department of Human Services
Child Care Subsidy Program
The program helps eligible families pay for child care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaper
Hawaii Department of Human Services and Hawaii Public Housing Authority
Public housing
Also: Public housing and rental assistance
The authority administers public housing and rental assistance programs for eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn 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
- Aloha United Way 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