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 Idaho
Idaho programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Child Support Services
Child Support Services helps establish and enforce child support orders.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Idaho Medicaid
Idaho Medicaid helps eligible residents pay for health care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Children's Health Insurance Program
CHIP provides health coverage for eligible children in Idaho.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Your Health Idaho
Idaho Health Insurance Marketplace
In Idaho, the health insurance marketplace is called Your Health Idaho.
Your Health Idaho helps residents compare and enroll in private health insurance plans.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible Idaho households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho
In Idaho, TANF is called TAFI.
TAFI provides monthly cash assistance to eligible low-income families.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Idaho Child Care Program
ICCP helps eligible working families pay part of their child care costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Housing Choice Vouchers help eligible renters pay for housing in participating counties.
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
- 211 Idaho CareLine
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