NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 3, 2024
Media Contact: Tyler.Smith@labor.idaho.gov

SIDES E-Response is a free, quick, accurate and secure way for employers to respond to unemployment insurance (UI) claim notices for laid-off or separated employees who file for unemployment benefits. The Idaho Department of Labor is encouraging Idaho employers to sign up.

When employers use SIDES (State Information Data Exchange System) to respond to information about a claim for unemployment insurance benefits filed by an employee, they play an important role in preventing and detect fraudulent claims according to SIDES Administrator Tyler Smith.

For example, a faster employer response rate during the COVID-19 pandemic could have helped to prevent a significant number of improper unemployment insurance benefit payments, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.

“When a business enrolls in SIDES E-Response, all separation requests are sent electronically, allowing employers to respond anywhere — not just from the office,” Smith said.

By the end of 2024, all employers who participate in SIDES E-Response will also receive determinations and potential charges electronically, explained Smith.

SIDES E-Response has fraud markers to alert the department of claims needing immediate review. These markers allow for the early detection of fraudulent activity and helps prevent improper payments.

SIDES E-Response also has dynamic questionnaires designed to help gather employee separation details up-front and reduce the need for follow-up phone calls. Employers can upload documents to support statements related to warnings, resignations and hiring agreements.

Once an employer enrolls, the department will deliver all notices to their email address rather than by postal mail. This allows employers more time to gather information and respond timely while protecting claimant and employer information.

If you currently receive paper unemployment insurance requests and want to use SIDES to receive claims electronically, visit labor.idaho.gov/businesses/e-services.

Employers already participating in SIDES E-Response or who utilize a third-party administrator to process unemployment claims, do not need to take any action to continue participating in the program.

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Idaho’s unemployment insurance programs are 100% funded by Employment & Training Administration grants from the U.S. Department of Labor.