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 Michigan
Michigan programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Child Support Services
The Office of Child Support helps families establish and manage child support services.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaper
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Medicaid
In Michigan, Medicaid is called Healthy Michigan Plan.
Michigan Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible residents, including through the Healthy Michigan Plan.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
MIChild
In Michigan, CHIP is called MIChild.
MIChild provides health coverage to eligible children who do not have other comprehensive insurance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services
Health Insurance Marketplace
Michigan residents use the federal HealthCare.gov Marketplace to compare and enroll in health plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Food Assistance Program
In Michigan, SNAP is called Food Assistance Program (FAP).
Michigan's Food Assistance Program helps eligible households buy food with SNAP benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Family Independence Program
In Michigan, TANF is called FIP.
FIP provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Child Development and Care
The Child Development and Care program helps eligible families pay for child care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Rental Assistance
MSHDA funds rental assistance programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers, through local housing agencies.
Ways to apply:PaperIn 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
- Michigan 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