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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Child Support Services
Pennsylvania child support services help parents and caregivers establish and manage support cases.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Medical Assistance
Medical Assistance helps eligible residents pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Children's Health Insurance Program
CHIP provides health coverage for eligible children who do not qualify for Medical Assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Pennie
Pennie Health Insurance Marketplace
In Pennsylvania, the health insurance marketplace is called Pennie.
Pennie is Pennsylvania's official marketplace for individual health and dental coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
In Pennsylvania, TANF is called Cash Assistance.
Cash Assistance provides temporary financial help to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Child Care Works
Child Care Works helps eligible families pay for child care while parents work or attend training or school.
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.
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
- PA 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