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 $750 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.