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 North Carolina
North Carolina programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Child Support Services
Child Support Services helps establish and enforce support orders and collect payments for children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
NC Medicaid
In North Carolina, Medicaid is called Medical Assistance.
NC Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible North Carolina residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
NC Medicaid for Children
In North Carolina, CHIP is called NC Health Choice (now part of NC Medicaid).
Children who qualify get free or low-cost health coverage through NC Medicaid, which now includes the old NC Health Choice program.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Nutrition Services
Food and Nutrition Services helps eligible households buy food using an EBT card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Work First Family Assistance
In North Carolina, TANF is called Work First.
Work First provides cash assistance and related services to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Child Care Subsidy
Child Care Subsidy helps eligible families pay for child care while they work, attend school, or meet other qualifying needs.
Ways to apply:In person
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
Affordable Housing and Rental Assistance
The agency funds housing programs and rental assistance administered with local partners.
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
- NC 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