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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Wisconsin Child Support Program
The program helps parents establish and enforce orders for financial and medical support for their children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
BadgerCare Plus and Wisconsin Medicaid
In Wisconsin, Medicaid is called BadgerCare Plus.
BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid provide health coverage to eligible Wisconsin residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
BadgerCare Plus CHIP coverage
In Wisconsin, CHIP is called BadgerCare Plus.
Eligible children and pregnant people receive CHIP-funded coverage through BadgerCare Plus.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
Health Insurance Marketplace
Wisconsin residents can compare and enroll in private health plans through the federal Marketplace.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
FoodShare
In Wisconsin, SNAP is called FoodShare.
FoodShare helps eligible households buy groceries using monthly benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Wisconsin Works
In Wisconsin, TANF is called W-2.
W-2 provides eligible parents and pregnant people with employment services and cash assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program
Wisconsin Shares helps eligible families pay for child care while they work, study, or take part in approved training.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families and Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority
Emergency Assistance
Also: Housing Choice Voucher Program
Emergency Assistance can help eligible families with children pay certain costs after a housing or other serious emergency.
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.
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
- 211 Wisconsin
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