Skip to content

Independent and free to use. Not a government website.

owedfinder

Life change guide

Divorce or separation

After divorce or separation, you may qualify for food stamps, Medicaid, cash assistance, and tax credits. See what to apply for first.

Where to start

A divorce or separation changes a lot at once, from where you live to how you pay the bills. It is okay to feel overwhelmed. Taking a few practical steps now can help you and your children feel more secure.

Your household may look different now. You may have less income, a new address or children living with you most of the time. These changes can affect which programs you qualify for. Programs like SNAP, Medicaid and TANF look at your current situation, so it is worth checking again even if you did not qualify before.

Your taxes may change too. Your filing status, your income and who claims the children all matter for tax credits. Keep copies of any custody or support orders, since some programs may ask for them.

Do these first

  1. 1

    Check your health coverage

    If you were covered through your spouse, you may need new coverage. You can apply for Medicaid at any time of year through your state or HealthCare.gov.

    About Medicaid
  2. 2

    Apply for SNAP as a new household

    SNAP looks at the people who buy and cook food together. If your household or income has changed, you may now qualify.

    About SNAP
  3. 3

    Ask about cash help for your family

    If you have children and low income, TANF may give cash help and support services. Your state runs the program and sets its rules.

    About TANF
  4. 4

    Review the Earned Income Tax Credit

    The EITC depends on your work income, filing status and qualifying children. A change in your household may change whether you qualify.

    About EITC
  5. 5

    Plan who claims the Child Tax Credit

    Agree on who will claim each child, and check IRS rules before you file. A trusted tax preparer can help.

    About Child Tax Credit

Programs that can help

SNAPUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.MedicaidCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.EITCInternal Revenue ServiceThe EITC is a federal tax credit for people who work and have low to moderate income. It may lower your tax and add to your refund.Child Tax CreditInternal Revenue ServiceThe Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit that may lower the tax you owe if you are raising qualifying children.TANFHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesTANF gives cash help and support services to families with children who have low income. Each state runs its own program.

Offers that can help

Services from our partners. You never need a paid service to apply for benefits.

Advertiser disclosure
We may earn a commission when you use partner links. Partners never affect which programs we show, how we rank them, or our editorial content. How we make money

FileRight Tax

4.6out of 5 stars,(12,840 reviews)
Tax filingSponsored

File your federal return free and claim the EITC

Guided filing that checks for the Earned Income and Child Tax Credits as you go.

Start filing free

On FileRight Tax's secure site

Cost
$0 federal
Best for
Simple W-2 returns
Refund speed
~21 days, direct deposit
Pros and details

Pros

  • Finds EITC and Child Tax Credit automatically
  • Max refund guarantee
  • Live help by chat

Good to know

State returns may cost extra. IRS Free File and VITA are also free if you qualify.

ClearLine Wireless

4.3out of 5 stars,(5,310 reviews)
Phone plansSponsored

Free unlimited talk and text with Lifeline

Qualify through SNAP, Medicaid or SSI and get a free smartphone plan.

Check Lifeline plans

On ClearLine Wireless's secure site

Cost
$0/month
Best for
SNAP or Medicaid households
Setup
Free SIM, keep your number
Pros and details

Pros

  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 4.5 GB data included
  • No contract or credit check

Good to know

Lifeline is limited to one discount per household.