State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES)
The State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) is offered by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, to support and enhance workforce development.
SIDES is designed specifically to streamline the processing of unemployment insurance (UI) claims. Through six secure and efficient data exchanges, it enhances the speed, accuracy, and security of UI information shared between states, employers, third-party administrators (TPAs), and professional employer organizations (PEOs). By eliminating guesswork, misinformation, and lengthy processing times, SIDES gives employers confidence in the legitimacy of claims and the appropriate disbursement of UI funds.
Each of SIDES' six exchanges supports a critical step in the UI claims process. These exchanges can be implemented individually or together, offering flexibility based on your organization’s budget, timeline, and available resources.
SIDES offers two implementation options:
SIDES E-Response: For employers with a limited number of unemployment insurance claims.
SIDES System Integration: For employers, TPAs and PEOs who deal with a large volume of unemployment insurance claims and/or are in multiple states.
Both are web-based solutions developed collaboratively by the U.S. Department of Labor and NASWA. They use a nationally standardized electronic format to ensure consistent, accurate, and secure UI data exchanges.
SIDES E-Response Solution
For employers with a limited number of UI claims, the SIDES E-Response website provides a simple, web-based option. Users can log in and enter the required UI information directly online. If your state offers Single Sign-On, we encourage you to take advantage of it for an even more streamlined experience.
SIDES System Integration Solution
For large or multi-state employers, a computer-to-computer interface may be the better option. It allows full customization so their internal systems can connect directly with SIDES. However, this option does require employers to complete their own programming.
With SIDES E-Response:
- Gain direct online communication
- Have confidence in accuracy of data and transmission
- Eliminate lost responses and submission errors
- Reduce personnel time and effort
- Enhance the integrity of the UI system
- Reduce UI tax rates improper payments and overpayments
- Ensure national format consistency for any size business
With SIDES System Integration:
- Create efficiencies across UI claim processing
- Have confidence in accuracy of data and transmission
- Eliminate lost responses and submission errors
- Gain consistency across all claims and states
- Reduce personnel time and effort
- Enhance the integrity of the UI system
- Reduce UI tax rates, improper payments and overpayments
- Ensure national format consistency for any size business
What are the Setup Requirements for SIDES E-Response?
SIDES E-Response does not require IT development or system integration - users simply need an internet connection to logon and access the exchanges.
What are the Setup Requirements for SIDES System Integration?
SIDES system integration requires employers, TPAs, and PEOs to build software that connects their internal systems to the SIDES Central Broker. Because each system is unique, integrating SIDES via web services often requires IT updates and process changes. Technical assistance and online training are available throughout implementation and ongoing use.
Is SIDES E-Response the Best Option for Me?
SIDES E-Response is ideal for employers with a small number of UI claims.
Is SIDES System Integration the Best Option for Me?
SIDES system integration is ideal for employers, TPAs and PEOs who deal with large volumes of UI information requests or who do business in multiple states. While it does require up-front integration resources, it has the potential to streamline response processes, reduce paperwork, and save time and money once it's fully implemented.
Employers, TPAs, and PEOs who implement SIDES using system integration may wish to use the SIDES E-Response website while completing the interface programming efforts.
How do I get started with SIDES E-Response?
Each state handles their own management and onboarding of the SIDES E-Response solution. If you are interested in implementing SIDES E-Response, use the link below to find your appropriate state information.
How do I get started with SIDES System Integration?
If you are interested in implementing SIDES using system integration, contact the NASWA SIDES Team for additional information.
Talk to our team to explore how we can help support your state with a stronger UI system.