UI SIDES: FAQs

More of the Basics:

• How can SIDES or SIDES E-Response save my company money?

  Simple answer: Lower UI tax rates.

  Detailed answer: SIDES and SIDES E-Response were created to streamline the UI process across the states and provide an easy, effective, and secure way for state UI agencies and employers/TPAs to exchange information.  One of the three largest causes of UI overpayments is incorrect initial eligibility decisions (job separation issues).  Many UI overpayments, which could be prevented by receiving timely and accurate separation information, negatively impacts an employer's bottom line. In fiscal year 2015, the UI system paid $31.1 billion in UI benefits. The USDOL estimates that 16.16% percent, or more than $506M of these benefits, were improperly paid due to incorrect initial eligibility determinations.  Improper payments results in higher UI Tax rates.  Increasing the quality and timeliness of separation information received from employers means more quality initial eligibility determinations, less improper benefit payments, less employer charging, and lower UI Tax rates.

• How much does it cost to use SIDES and SIDES E-Response?

  Both programs are FREE!  SIDES E-Response has virtually no cost to implement.  While there will be internal IT system development costs associated with the implementation project, there are no costs incurred from the national SIDES Team.  The model connector for SIDES web services is provided free of charge.  There are no fees for continued use of the SIDES E-Response or SIDES programs.

• Who can use SIDES and SIDES E-Response?

  SIDES and SIDES E-Response are available free of charge to all active employers and TPAs.  As of March 10th 2016, 50 states and territories are using SIDES and SIDES E-Response to exchange separation information.

• What information does Indiana exchange through SIDES and SIDES E-Response?

  Details regarding job separation information (SI) and monetary and potential charging  information (MPC) are exchanged through SIDES and SIDES E-Response.   The MPC will replace the Indiana State Form 52984 Separating/Base Period Employer Notice in most circumstances.  That means no more waiting on snail mail to deliver your claim notices!   Employers should respond to an SI request electronically to protest a claim for UI benefits instead of faxing State Form 54244 Unemployment Insurance Protest to adjudication.  That means no more faxing claim protests!

• Will SIDES or SIDES E-Response keep a record of my UI claims?

  No.  The requests are available for 35 days and then permanently deleted from your IN E-Response account.

• What are the system requirements for SIDES E-Response?

  SIDES E-Response requires a working internet connection, an employee to enter information, and:

  Requirements: 

  • Internet Explorer version 9.0 or higher
  • Chrome V44 or higher
  • Firefox V37 or higher
  • JavaScript must be turned on
  • A minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768
• What are the system requirements for SIDES web services?

  IT expertise,  development and programming will be required.  The result of SIDES implementation is an interface of the end user's IT system with state UI agencies.  Please review information available at http://www.itsc.org/Pages/UISIDES.aspx for detailed information.  If after reviewing the information (Implementation & Developer Guides in particular) you are interested in proceeding with a SIDES project consultation, send a request via e-mail to SIDES@dwd.in.gov. Please include "SIDES Project Consultation" in the subject field.   For reference in reviewing the information, DWD has implemented the Separation Information and Monetary and Potential Charging exchanges only at this time.

Using SIDES & SIDES E-Response:

• Why can't I login to my IN SIDES E-Response account?

  You will receive this message: "The login credentials entered are incorrect, or there are no active requests associated with this PIN at this time" when:

  • Incorrect credentials (FEIN, SEIN, or PIN) have been entered. 
    
    OR
  • Your account does not have active requests for information pending. 
    Note: Requests for information are permanently deleted from your account after 35 days.
• How long do I have to provide a response?

  Employers and TPA's still have 10 days from the date the SI request was transmitted to provide separation information.  The response and must be received by 11:59 (EST) on the due date to be considered timely.  The due date is clearly identified on each request for your convenience.

• Am I able to provide documentation and add my own comments about a separation?

  Yes and yes.  You will be given the opportunity to attach documents and provide comments in an open ended text box before submitting a response to separation information requests. DWD encourages you to include all available documentation at the time you submit your initial response.  The file capacity for attachments is 8MB.

• I have additional information to provide for a response that has already been submitted.  Can I amend my response?

  Yes.  However, only information available at the time the Determination of Eligibility is issued will be considered. See the FAQ "How long do I have to provide a response?" for important information about timeliness requirements.

• What is a seasonal employee?

  Seasonal employment is service performed for a DWD approved seasonal employer during the approved seasonal period with regard to the approved seasonal job titles where the total of all seasonal periods for the employer is less than 26 weeks. In order to be considered a seasonal employer, the employer must have the prior written approval of the DWD for the specific seasonal period and seasonal positions. To request seasonal approval, submit DWD Form 2003 (Request for Seasonal Determination Status) with DWD no less than 90 days prior to the first day of the quarter containing the season start date. Complete all sections of the application carefully. Incomplete forms will receive a denial response. Additional instructions will be provided if the employer is determined to be an approved seasonal employer. Please call (800) 437-9136, option 3, for additional information.

• My employee is still employed.  What do I enter for the last day worked?

  Even though the claimant may still be employed, we need to know the most recent day the claimant worked and earned wages.

Other FAQs:

• I have a PIN, where are the requests for information?

  Only requests sent after your PIN was issued are available in SIDES E-Response. Records are permanently deleted after 35 days. See the FAQ "How long do I have to provide a response?" for important information about timeliness requirements.

• I received a paper claim notice (State Form 52984) instead of an email.  Why?

  You should not receive paper State Form 52984- Separating/Base Period Employer notices from DWD with your correct SEIN/SUTA/Employer number on the form.  If the employer account number is not correctly identified on the form, please respond using the form available here (640P) and provide the correct employer number.

• Who do I contact in other states about SIDES or SIDES E-Response?

  Click here for a list of contact information for all implemented states.