SIDES E-Response Frequently Asked Questions

General SIDES E-Response Questions

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SIDES E-Response is an ideal solution for smaller employers and TPAs/PEOs to exchange separation information with the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) with regards to unemployment insurance. The employer or TPA/PEO uses a web browser to log onto the SIDES web site and answer the on-line questionnaire. Larger employers and TPAs/PEOs may use E-Response, but may find SIDES Integration, which incorporates their SIDES communications directly into their IT infrastructure, more efficient.

When a Connecticut employer is enrolled in SIDES E-Response, CTDOL will send an electronic request for separation information to the employer through SIDES and will send the employer an e-mail notification that the information request was sent to SIDES.

While both SIDES E-Response and QuickACCESS allow an employer to respond electronically to a separation notice, SIDES E-Response replaces the printed mailed form UI-21A with an email notification. SIDES E-Response also includes a convenient check box for employers to quickly identify a claim as fraudulent.

There is no cost for using SIDES E-Response beyond normal internet connection charges.

SIDES E-Response Attachments

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CTDOL encourages employers to review all information sent to them with a SIDES Separation Information request.

When CTDOL sends a SIDES separation information request, the request may contain an attachment that includes additional information about the claim and potential employer liability. CTDOL will only include an attachment if the employer is part of the base period for the claim. The attachment’s form number is UI-21A.

SIDES E-Response Enrollment

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No. If there is more than one authorized staff member at your company that should be notified of new claim filings, it is a best practice that you provide an email address that all authorized staff have access.

Step-by-step instructions on how to enroll for SIDES E-Response.

Yes. Each state labor agency enrolls and administers their SIDES E-Response employers separately. CTDOL uses the ReEmployCT unemployment tax and benefits system to host the SIDES E-Response administrative functions.

SIDES E-Response Login and Response Questionnaire

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For an E-Response employer to log into the SIDES E-Response site, the employer will need to have their 10-digit Connecticut Employer Account Number (EAN), 9-digit Federal Employer Identification (FEIN) number, and Current (Active) SIDES PIN. Do NOT include dashes when entering these numbers into the SIDES E-Response site.

Beginning July 2022, Employer Account Numbers (EAN) increased to 10 digits by adding three trailing zeroes to the former 7-digit EAN. For example, if the old 7-digit EAN was “12-345-67”, the new 10-digit EAN is “12-34567-0-00”. Questions regarding EANs should be directed to the Employer Status unit at (860) 263-6550 or dol.status.gov.

When an employer enrolls for SIDES E-Response, they will be mailed a reusable PIN. This SIDES Enrollment PIN letter is also available in the ReEmployCT-Inquiry-Correspondence-View Correspondence section on the business day following the PIN request. Please contact the CTDOL Employer Tax Accounting unit at 860.263.6470 or dol.etau@ct.gov if you require assistance logging into your company’s ReEmployCT account.

An E-Response enrolled employer should contact CTDOL SIDES administrative support at 860-263-6779 or DOL.SIDESadmin@ct.gov. Make sure you have your 10-digit CT Employer Account Number and 9-digit Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) on hand when contacting CTDOL SIDES administration.

After logging into SIDES E-Response, you are presented with a list of all the E-Response requests you have been sent over the last month. Clicking “Create Response” from a specific request will take you to the SIDES questionnaire for that request. Requests that have been previously responded to will indicate when the response was submitted and will present you with a “Create Amendment” link to make updates, if needed.

No. The sections you will be required to answer will differ, depending on the details of the case.

SIDES E-Response Miscellaneous Questions

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No. However, employers are encouraged to create a ReEmployCT system account to have early access to their SIDES PIN letters which are saved in the Correspondence section (ReEmployCT-Inquiry-Correspondence-View Correspondence section). ReEmployCT access also allows employers to maintain their addresses so CTDOL knows where to send other important information. Employers with ReEmployCT account or login questions should contact the Employer Tax Accounting unit at 860-263-6470 or dol.etau@ct.gov.

If an employer requires a printed copy of a SIDES-delivered UI-21A for their records, they can access a pdf copy of the form in their ReEmployCT account’s Correspondence section (ReEmployCT-Inquiry-Correspondence-View Correspondence section).

Step-by-step instructions on how to update your existing CTDOL SIDES E-Response account.

In limited situations, when the Notice of Claim Filed (UI-21A) cannot be sent electronically, CTDOL will mail the form instead.

The response due date is ten (10) calendar days from the date the SIDES request was sent. Responses must be submitted by 11:59 pm of the Response Due Date to be considered timely.

Visit the NASWA SIDES E-Response site for additional information.

Yes, if an educational institution employee or professional athlete “reasonable assurance” hearing is scheduled during the initial claims process and the employer is a SIDES participant, the notification will be sent through SIDES.

SIDES E-Response Information Request Notifications

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When an individual files for unemployment benefits and indicates having worked for the employer, the E-Response employer will receive an e-mail from CTDOL informing the employer that a separation information request was sent to SIDES and is awaiting their response at uisides.org.

If you receive a separation information request for a current employee and believe the claim was filed by an individual other than the employee, check the “Employer believes this is a fraudulent claim.” box in the Claimant section of the SIDES E-Response information request. After you submit your response indicating fraud, the CTDOL Integrity unit is notified to perform further claim investigation.

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