Pennsylvania Introduces a New, More Efficient System to Help Expedite UC Claims
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) is partnering with the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) to bring employers a solution to help businesses efficiently and accurately respond to unemployment compensation (UC) information requests and to speed the processing of claims.
The State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) and SIDES E-Response offer employers – free of charge – a secure, electronic and nationally-standardized format to better anticipate and supply the data needed to respond to UC information requests, reduce follow-up phone calls and streamline UC response processes.
“The SIDES and SIDES E-Response systems help employers respond to state unemployment insurance requests quickly, easily and accurately,” Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway said. “Allowing employers to receive and submit information electronically streamlines the process, saving time, money and valuable resources.”
Both systems are designed to meet the unique needs of businesses large and small. For employers and third party administrators (TPAs) that handle a large volume of UC information requests, SIDES provides an automated, computer-to-computer interface between employers’ and TPAs’ IT systems and state agency networks.
For employers with a limited number of UC claims, the SIDES E-Response website provides an easy and efficient way to respond to information requests from the state UC department.
“SIDES will also help protect the solvency of the UC Trust Fund by reducing overpayments,” Sec. Hearthway said.
SIDES addresses two of the largest causes of UC overpayments: a lack of accurate information about employee separations and working while receiving UC benefits.
The state’s UC system sends a request to a claimant’s former employer to provide the reason for job separation, reducing unnecessary appeals by obtaining timely and accurate information and ensuring proper benefits payments.
To learn more about SIDES and SIDES E-Response, visit http://info.uisides.org or www.dli.state.pa.us.