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 Minnesota
Minnesota programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Child support services
Minnesota's child support program helps parents establish and manage child support services and payments.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Medical Assistance
In Minnesota, Medicaid is called MA.
Medical Assistance is Minnesota's Medicaid program and provides free health coverage to eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
MinnesotaCare
In Minnesota, CHIP is called MinnesotaCare.
MinnesotaCare provides low-cost health coverage to eligible residents who do not qualify for Medical Assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
MNsure
Qualified health plan coverage through MNsure
In Minnesota, the health insurance marketplace is called Qualified health plan coverage through MNsure.
MNsure is Minnesota's marketplace where residents can compare and enroll in private health plans, with financial help when eligible.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for groceries using an electronic benefits card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Minnesota Family Investment Program
In Minnesota, TANF is called MFIP.
MFIP provides cash and food assistance to eligible families with children while supporting work and family stability.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Child Care Assistance Program
CCAP helps eligible families pay for child care while they work, attend school, look for work, or follow an employment plan.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
Housing Support
Also: Housing Trust Fund Rental Assistance
Housing Support helps some low-income older adults and adults with disabilities pay for room and board.
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.
Talk to a person
- 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