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 Kentucky
Kentucky programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Kentucky Department of Child Support Services and Office of the Attorney General
Child Support Services
Child Support Services helps parents establish and manage child support cases.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Department for Community Based Services and Department for Medicaid Services
Medicaid
Kentucky Medicaid helps eligible residents pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Community Based Services and Department for Medicaid Services
Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program
In Kentucky, CHIP is called KCHIP.
KCHIP provides health coverage to eligible children in Kentucky.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Department for Community Based Services and Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange
Qualified Health Plans
In Kentucky, the health insurance marketplace is called kynect health coverage.
Kentucky residents can compare and enroll in private health plans through kynect.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Department for Community Based Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Community Based Services
Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program
In Kentucky, TANF is called KTAP.
KTAP provides cash assistance to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Community Based Services
Child Care Assistance Program
CCAP helps eligible families pay for child care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Kentucky Housing Corporation
Rental Assistance
Kentucky Housing Corporation connects residents with rental assistance programs and local housing partners.
Ways to apply:In 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.
Talk to a person
- Kentucky 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