[CO] [CO] Does Medicaid affect child support?
In Colorado, if a couple with a child is divorced but still live together and one of the adults applies for Medicaid, will the other have to automatically start paying child support?
23
8
Solved
I'm so sorry about this situation!
Just because one parent applies for Medicaid doesn't automatically mean the other parent will be hit with a new or increased child support obligation — especially if there's already a court order in place and nothing has changed with how you both are contributing (C.R.S. Title 25.5, Article 4).
Since you said there is a formal order and you’re both still living together and sharing expenses, the state usually won’t jump in and try to change anything unless it looks like the existing order isn’t being followed or one parent isn’t financially contributing like they should.
That said, Medicaid applications can trigger a review of the situation, especially if the applicant has little or no income. The state might ask questions to confirm the non-applying parent is still helping and the child is being supported. If everything looks stable and fair, it’s not likely they’ll change the child support order.
For SNAP, the state looks at who lives and eats together. Even though you're divorced, since you're living under the same roof and sharing meals, both your incomes will likely be considered when determining eligibility. Colorado's regulations specify that individuals living together who represent themselves as a single economic unit are assessed together for SNAP purposes, When applying for SNAP, the state may review existing child support arrangements. Given that you have a formal child support agreement in place and both contribute financially to your child's care, this should align with SNAP's requirements. However, any changes in financial circumstances reported during the application could prompt a review of the existing child support order.
0
Colorado Parenting Plan
Create Document
Full Conversation
In Colorado, if a couple with a child is divorced but still live together and one of the adults applies for Medicaid, will the other have to automatically start paying child support?
Lexi, Chatbot
I understand your concern. Has there been a formal child support agreement established by the court?
Yes.
Lexi, Chatbot
Are both adults currently contributing financially to the child’s care and expenses?
Yes.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with child support.
Yes.
Legal Eagle
Hello! Legal Eagle here. I'm reviewing your issue in detail. I'm here for you. Have there been any changes in your living arrangements or financial contributions since the divorce?
No.
Legal Eagle
Thanks! Just a few more questions. Have there been any changes in your living arrangements or financial contributions since the divorce that might affect child support?
No.
Legal Eagle
Got it. Was there any other facts you'd like to add before I answered your question?
Hmmm I don't think so, the Medicaid applicant doesn't currently have a job, so the other parent is paying rent, utilities etc. Absolutely, thank you for looking into this. I was also wondering if she would be able to apply for SNAP as well without any issues. The child is currently on CHiP.
Legal Eagle
I'm so sorry about this situation!
Just because one parent applies for Medicaid doesn't automatically mean the other parent will be hit with a new or increased child support obligation — especially if there's already a court order in place and nothing has changed with how you both are contributing (C.R.S. Title 25.5, Article 4).
Since you said there is a formal order and you’re both still living together and sharing expenses, the state usually won’t jump in and try to change anything unless it looks like the existing order isn’t being followed or one parent isn’t financially contributing like they should.
That said, Medicaid applications can trigger a review of the situation, especially if the applicant has little or no income. The state might ask questions to confirm the non-applying parent is still helping and the child is being supported. If everything looks stable and fair, it’s not likely they’ll change the child support order.
For SNAP, the state looks at who lives and eats together. Even though you're divorced, since you're living under the same roof and sharing meals, both your incomes will likely be considered when determining eligibility. Colorado's regulations specify that individuals living together who represent themselves as a single economic unit are assessed together for SNAP purposes, When applying for SNAP, the state may review existing child support arrangements. Given that you have a formal child support agreement in place and both contribute financially to your child's care, this should align with SNAP's requirements. However, any changes in financial circumstances reported during the application could prompt a review of the existing child support order.
Sounds good. What if each party pays for food completely separately?
Legal Eagle
Sure thing!
SNAP defines a household as individuals who live together and customarily purchase and prepare food together. However, certain relationships mandate that individuals be considered a single household, regardless of their food purchasing habits. Specifically, parents and their children under 22 years old who live together are required to be in the same SNAP household, even if they buy and prepare food separately.
Given that you and your ex-spouse share a child and reside together, SNAP regulations would consider you all as one household for eligibility purposes, irrespective of separate food purchasing arrangements. This means that both adults' incomes and the child's needs will be assessed together when determining SNAP eligibility.
Okay! Thank you so much for the helpful answers. Do I need to do anything to the agreement before she applies, or can she just start her application?
Legal Eagle
You're very welcome! Given your current arrangement (divorced but cohabiting with a formal child support agreement in place) there shouldn't be a need to modify your existing agreement before she applies for SNAP or Medicaid. Since both of you are already contributing financially to your child's care and there's a formal agreement in place, the state typically won't require any changes. She can proceed with her application, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and reflects your current living and financial situation.
Okay great, thank you so much for all of your help today. Is there a way I can be emailed a transcript of the chat?
Legal Eagle
Sure thing! To get a copy of the transcript, you can copy and paste it into a Word document or log back into the site if you signed up for a membership. You can also save the URL (the website link that your browser is on right now) and come back to the question at a later time. When you log back into the system, your question will be saved so you can just click on it there, too. Plus, the system sends a link where you can always come back to this conversation in the future as well!
Okay! Thank you so much again! I appreciate your time.
Legal Eagle
Sure! I hope I’ve provided the information you were seeking.
Perfect. Have a great day!
Legal Eagle
128,690 satisfied customers
5 lawyers online now
Disclaimer
By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.
The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.
Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.
