Dept. of Labor Announces Launch of SIDES Earnings Verification Exchange

October 24, 2024

For Immediate Release: October 24, 2024

Dept. of Labor Announces Launch of SIDES Earnings Verification Exchange

SIDES is a quick, accurate, and secure way for employers to electronically respond to unemployment insurance claim notices

AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Labor today announced the implementation of a new tool that will improve the accuracy and efficiency of earnings verifications. The State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) Earnings Verification (EV) Exchange is an important addition to the existing employer e-response system.

"The Maine Department of Labor has been using the SIDES Separation Information exchange since 2012, and is excited to expand employer and third-party representative access by implementing the Earnings Verification exchange," said Suzan McKechnie, Director of the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation. "Now, not only will employers and third-party representatives be able to quickly share information electronically on employee separations, but they will also be able to report employee earning information."

Key Features of SIDES EV:

• Accuracy: Reduce improper benefit payments by stopping them at an early stage. Protect the integrity and solvency of the Maine UI Trust Fund and help keep employer contributions as low as possible.
• Efficiency: Streamline audits with electronic requests and responses, as opposed to the current paper process.
• UI Tool Integration: Send requests based on the National New Hire Directory and the State New Hire Directory.

Employers that are already signed up for SIDES E-Response will be automatically enrolled in SIDES EV as well. For employers who are not yet enrolled in SIDES: If you currently receive paper unemployment insurance requests and want to use SIDES to receive and respond to separation and wage information requests electronically, visit the ReEmployME Employer login page (https://assist.reemployme.maine.gov/ep/landing), select the "SIDES E-Response" quick link, and follow the instructions to sign up.

SIDES E-Response Benefits:

• Prevent delays caused by mail
• Ensure that the requests are handled by the correct personnel
• Reduce staff time and administrative stress
• Prevent overpayments, minimize potential penalties, and combat fraud
• Reduce follow up phone calls.

Employers already participating in SIDES E-Response with MDOL or who utilize a Third-Party Administrator to process unemployment claims do not need to take any action to continue participating.

For more information on SIDES, visit https://www.naswa.org/uisides