State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) and SIDES E-Response

Respond to UI Notices, View Benefit Determinations & File Benefit Appeals

There are two electronic systems to support Unemployment Insurance (UI) processing in Wisconsin: SIDES E-Response and SIDES. These systems are offered by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Respond to UI Requests with Ease

Electronic
Allows attachments for supporting documentation.

Accurate
Uses data checks for complete and valid information.

Secure
Protects sensitive employer and claimant data.

Efficient
Reduces follow-up time and phone calls.

SIDES E-Response

SIDES E-Response allows for quick, convenient online responses using your UI Employer Online Services account. This free system is available for any registered employer or Employer Service Provider (ESP) with Internet access.

SIDES E-Response provides:

a nationally-standardized format for responding to UI information requests.
the ability to attach documentation to your response.
the ability to better anticipate and supply the data needed for UI information requests and, in return:
- reduce follow-up phone calls and paperwork,
- prevent improper payments, and
- streamline UI response processes.
a secure system to exchange sensitive data between the Department of Workforce Development and employers or ESPs.

SIDES E-Response has multiple layers of security and uses secure communication protocols.

How to Access SIDES E-Response

Receive one of the following forms by mail:
- Separation Notice (Form UCB-16);
- Determination (Form UCB-20); or
- Wage Audit Forms (UCF-350-4, UCF-17275, and UCF-17275-3)
Log into UI Employer Online Services and choose the "SIDES" tab to access SIDES E-Response.
New to Using Online Services?
- Create a Username and Password
- Request Online Access to Your Account – Log on and enter your entity's 10-digit account number or FEIN. For security purposes, you will be mailed a letter with your Access Key and information on access rights.
- Get Online UI Account Access – Log on and choose "Get Access to Your Account." Enter your Access Key (Step 4 from the letter) to connect your username and password with your entity's UI Account.
Choose "Respond to SIDES Requests."
Choose the item you want to work on.
Follow the instructions to enter the needed information.
Receive a date-stamped confirmation of submission.
- Submissions include data checks to ensure the exchange of complete and valid information.

SIDES

SIDES is an integrated computer-to-computer interface, not a website. It is best for employers and ESPs that:

receive a large volume of annual UI claims;
operate in multiple states; or
want to automate claims and reduce data entry.

SIDES is available for free, though there will be system development costs to integrate SIDES with your company's existing IT systems.

Avoid extra mail. Information requested by Wisconsin UI through SIDES is only sent digitally.

The following forms are available in SIDES:

Separation Notice (Form UCB-16);
Determination (Form UCB-20);
Computation of Unemployment Insurance Benefits (Form UCB-701); or
Wage Audit Forms (UCF-350-4, UCF-17275, and UCF-17275-3)

SIDES Resources

Introduction to SIDES (video)
How to connect (video)

Is SIDES E-Response or SIDES Right for Me?

SIDES E-Response:

Access through a web browser with UI Employer Online Services
Best for a small volume of annual claims (less than 100)
Digitally exchange documents
Receive paper forms by mail to alert you of request

SIDES

Integrate with your existing IT systems

Internal development will be needed

Best for a large volume of annual claims (more than 100)
Streamline requests
Create customized workflows
Seamlessly exchange data
Avoid mail for the accepted forms

Glossary

DWD: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Employer Service Provider (ESP): Any third party who prepares the quarterly contribution tax and/or wage report on behalf of an employer who is subject to Wisconsin's Unemployment Insurance (UI) law.

Exchange: NASWA systems that facilitate the transfer of information between employers, ESPs, and WI UI.

Large number of claims: More than 100 claims per year.

SIDES: State Information Data Exchange System. an integrated computer-to-computer interface, not a website.

SIDES E-Response: Tool to provide online responses using your UI Employer Online Services account.

Small number of claims: Less than 100 claims per year.

System integration: The method for incorporating SIDES software into your existing information technology system. This process is often completed by purchasing off-the-shelf software.

UI: Unemployment Insurance.