SIDES E-Response Helps Reduce Overpayment of Unemployment Insurance

Web-Based System Improves Timeliness of Unemployment Information Submission

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development announces an electronic separation process to help reduce overpayment of unemployment insurance. State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) E-Response is a Web site through which employers submit electronic responses to unemployment insurance information requests. The voluntary system was introduced in April 2012, but currently only 13% of employers are taking advantage of the system.

“Employers should be aware of how helpful SIDES E-Response can be,” said Acting Labor and Workforce Commissioner Burns Phillips. “With this Web-based system, inaccuracies and delays in submitting unemployment information can be minimized.”

When a person files a claim for unemployment, the department sends a letter to the employer or third-party administrators (TPAs) verifying the reason the claimant has given for separation and providing login information to SIDES E-Response. The employer then responds electronically with SIDES E-Response, which was previously accomplished by mail or fax. By using SIDES E-Response employers can save time and money exchanging unemployment information by reducing paper handling, postage costs, follow-up requests, and phone calls.

The Web site is free for small businesses, but there is an IT fee for TPAs. The program is safe and secure and helps employers ensure information exchanges are complete. Additionally, Sides E-Response reduces improper payments and unnecessary employer charges.

In March 2013, the department conducted SIDES pilot demonstrations on the Tennessee Career Coach for smaller employers in different counties. This gave employers the opportunity to ask questions, explore the program on the career coach computers, and give feedback. “This training enabled me to use the system and see how it would permit timely and accurate responses to the unemployment claims filed,” said Melissa Kelley of Tanner Coating & Pipeline Services. “After this training, I was also able to better utilize the additional resources available to employers on the state Web site.”

On May 2, 2013, the department will continue to conduct SIDES testing for smaller employers in White, DeKalb, Van Buren, Overton, Pickett, and Clay counties. If you are interested in attending future testing in your area, contact Melinda Williams at (615) 253-6674.

For more information about SIDES and SIDES E-Response visit http://info.uisides.org/.

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