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 Vermont
Vermont programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Department for Children and Families
Child Support Services
The Office of Child Support helps parents establish and enforce support orders and manage payments.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Vermont Health Access
Green Mountain Care Medicaid
In Vermont, Medicaid is called Green Mountain Care.
Green Mountain Care provides Medicaid health coverage to eligible Vermonters.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Department of Vermont Health Access
Dr. Dynasaur
In Vermont, CHIP is called Dr. Dynasaur.
Dr. Dynasaur provides free or low-cost coverage for eligible children and pregnant people.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Department of Vermont Health Access
Vermont Health Connect Qualified Health Plans
In Vermont, the health insurance marketplace is called Vermont Health Connect.
Vermont Health Connect is the state's marketplace for individual health insurance and financial help.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Department for Children and Families
3SquaresVT
In Vermont, SNAP is called 3SquaresVT.
3SquaresVT helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Children and Families
Reach Up
In Vermont, TANF is called Reach Up.
Reach Up provides cash and services to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Children and Families
Child Care Financial Assistance Program
The Child Care Financial Assistance Program helps eligible families pay for child care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Housing and Community Development
Housing Opportunity Program
The Housing Opportunity Program funds local partners that provide homelessness prevention and rental assistance.
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
- Vermont 2-1-1
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