What is MACSS?
The Missouri Automated Child Support System (MACSS) is the state’s core platform for managing and distributing child support. It is overseen by the Missouri Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Family Support Division (FSD). MACSS is the backbone of Missouri’s child support enforcement and support systems, helping FSD Child Support staff work efficiently while maintaining, reliable services across the state.
Modernizing Missouri Child Support
FSD is upgrading its foundational technology to better serve children, parents, employers, and community partners across the state.
On October 5, 2026, Missouri will transition its legacy system statewide to the upgraded MACSS, a modern and secure web‑based platform designed to better support Missouri families and program partners. MACSS will continue to be used by authorized Child Support staff and partners, and families do not need to take any action as part of the upgrade
Empowering Missouri Families
For decades, Missouri's Child Support program has relied on MACSS to administer cases and distribute more than $550 million annually to Missouri children and families.
While core business rules and reliable payment distributions remain unchanged, the new, web-based MACSS introduces significant operational and accessibility upgrades:
- Clear, Full-Field Terminology: Replaces legacy, abbreviated screens with plain-language, full-field data. The new MACSS will help streamline case navigation and significantly shorten training times.
- Unified Case Overviews: Brings all relevant case details together into a single, cohesive view, allowing customer service specialists and case managers to review records more efficiently.
- Modern Usability & Accessibility: Replaces legacy terminal screens and keyboard "F-keys" with an intuitive point-and-click interface that meets modern digital accessibility standards.
- Uninterrupted Financial Support: Ensures the continued, accurate, and responsive distribution of child support funds to those who rely on them every day.
What Is Changing
| Feature | Legacy MACSS | Upgraded webMACSS |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Terminal screens relying on function keys ("F-keys") and complex codes | Modern, intuitive web interface with mouse navigation and clear text fields |
| System Architecture | Aging mainframe framework | Modern, web-based platform, with human centered web page designs, and improved workflow features |
What Remains the Same
| Feature | Legacy MACSS | Upgraded MACSS |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Distribution | Over $750M processed and disbursed annually | Unchanged: Distribution schedules, direct deposits, and cards continue without interruption |
| Case Files & History | Existing case numbers, court orders, and payment histories | Unchanged: All existing case data and records transfer seamlessly into MACSS |
What This Means for Child Support Partners and Communities
- Parents and Families
- Continuous Payments: Payment schedules, child support debit cards, direct deposits, and portal access proceed as usual.
- Inquiries: By bringing all relevant case information together for an improved, seamless review and placing vital resources right at our customer service specialists' fingertips, MACSS will allow inquiries to be answered more efficiently and deliver a highly supportive and reliable experience to families across the state.
- Employers
Consistent Income Withholding: Electronic fund transfers (EFT), child support remittance addresses, and withholding procedures remain identical.
- Courts, County Partners, and Legal Stakeholders
- Enhanced System Interaction: Authorized external users will experience a cleaner, more responsive web interface for case review and lookups.
- Targeted Orientation: Training materials and quick-reference job aids will ensure partner staff navigate the interface confidently from Day 1.
Modernization Timeline
- Summer 2026 — Phased Pilot Program: Rigorous testing across pilot divisions to evaluate real-world workflows and incorporate feedback into final system tuning.
- September 2026 — Comprehensive Training & Outreach: Distribution of user guides, video walk-throughs, and targeted stakeholder orientations.
- October 5, 2026 — Statewide Go-Live: Official statewide cutover to the new MACSS platform.
Resources
Coming soon
Questions
The Family Support Division is dedicated to providing clear, ongoing communication throughout this system enhancement.
- General Child Support Inquiries: Contact the FSD Child Support Information Line or visit the DSS website.
- Technical & Partner Support: For questions regarding system connectivity, training sessions, or partner readiness, reach out to your assigned DSS liaison or support desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is MACSS Modernization?
MACSS Modernization is the project to update the technology and user interface of the Missouri Automated Child Support System (MACSS). During the project, the updated web-based interface has often been referred to as “webMACSS,” but the system itself remains MACSS. The modernization replaces legacy terminal-style screens and heavy reliance on function keys with point-and-click navigation, clearer field names, and a more accessible web layout. Core MACSS business rules and existing case data remain in place.
- Why is Missouri upgrading MACSS?
The upgrade modernizes the technology used to support Missouri’s Child Support program. The new web-based interface is designed to improve usability and accessibility, make information easier to locate, and support the long-term reliability of the system.
- When will the modernized MACSS interface go live?
Statewide go-live is scheduled for October 5, 2026.
- Do families need to take any action because of the upgrade?
No. MACSS is used by authorized Child Support staff and partners. Families do not need to take any action as part of the MACSS modernization.
- Will child support payments, case information, or existing records change?
No. Existing case numbers, court orders, payment histories, and payment distribution processes remain in place. Payment schedules, direct deposits, child support cards, and the existing Child Support Customer Portal are not changing as part of the MACSS upgrade.
- Will my existing MACSS case information still be available after the upgrade?
Yes. Existing case numbers, court orders, payment histories, and other case records will remain available in the modernized MACSS.
- How is personal information protected in the modernized MACSS?
DSS and OA-ITSD follow applicable state and federal requirements for restricting and protecting access to information. The web-based MACSS environment uses industry-standard encryption technologies, and existing monitoring controls for data access remain in place.
Employers & Partners
- Will employers need to change how they send child support payments or income withholding information?
No. Electronic fund transfers (EFT), child support remittance addresses, and income withholding procedures will remain the same as part of the MACSS upgrade.
- What does the MACSS upgrade mean for courts, county partners, and legal stakeholders?
Authorized partners will continue to access the information they need through the modernized, web-based MACSS interface. Training materials and quick-reference resources will be available to help partners transition to the updated navigation and layout.
For MACSS Users
- Will Dark Mode be available?
Dark Mode is planned to be available at go-live for users who prefer a darker display.
- Can I make the text larger or customize the screen?
The modernized MACSS web interface is accessible and is designed to meet applicable digital accessibility guidelines, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It will also include zoom capability to help users enlarge on-screen information. Beyond Dark Mode, additional personalization of screen colors or page layouts is not currently planned for go-live.
- What happens to F-key and F4 navigation?
The modernized MACSS interface moves most navigation to point-and-click controls. For selections that previously used F4 prompts, users will use on-screen selection controls or drop-down lists. Existing end reasons remain available, and labels are written out more fully instead of relying on abbreviations. Page-level reference information is also planned to help users identify fields.
- Can I have more than one MACSS session open?
Yes. A new session feature is planned for go-live, allowing users to work with more than one MACSS session when needed.
- Will approved macros still be available?
Approved macros are planned to be available in the modernized MACSS interface at go-live.
- Will commonly used resources be easy to find?
The modernized MACSS interface includes resource links at the top of the page for quick access to commonly used tools, including the Child Support Portal. Users will also be able to identify frequently used pages for easier navigation.
- Will I still need the TN3270 green-screen application for anything?
Some common-area applications will continue to be accessed through TN3270. For example, survey responses indicate that IMES and SALA will remain available through the common area using the TN3270 green-screen application.
Training, Practice, and Support
- What training is being provided before go-live?
Training includes prerequisite learning, instructor-led training, and hands-on practice in a training sandbox for the modernized MACSS interface. Additional sandbox access is also being provided before go-live so users can continue practicing the new navigation.
- Will training be specific to Enforcement, Financials, Modifications, or other job functions?
MACSS modernization training is focused on learning the updated interface and navigation rather than separate function-specific business-process training. The underlying MACSS work remains familiar; the primary change is how users move through and interact with the system.
- Will users have time to practice before October 5?
Yes. Users will have hands-on sandbox time during training and additional opportunities to practice before go-live.
- What should I expect while adjusting to the modernized MACSS after go-live?
Leadership recognizes that users will need time to become comfortable with the new layout and navigation. The initial transition period will focus on learning the updated interface, maintaining quality service, and identifying where additional training or support may be needed.
- Where can I get help with the modernized MACSS?
For technical, training, connectivity, or partner-readiness questions, users should follow their established support process and contact their assigned DSS liaison or support desk. For general Child Support questions, use the existing FSD Child Support contact resources.