If you are separated from your spouse, you may experience a significant change in household income; however, without an actual legal separation or divorce in place, the other spouse's income may still be considered. If you have children, your local government will first pursue the other parent for child support, if applicable. If you are given support, the amount may be reimbursed from the other parent's support payments. If both parents are low-income, you may qualify for assistance based on low household income.