State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES)

SIDES is a free electronic system that uses a nationally standardized format to allow employers to easily respond to UI Notice of Claims ​information requests, attach documentation when needed, and receive a date-stamped confirmation of receipt.​​

Registering for SIDES is easy if you already have a MyTax Illinois account.

• ​Simply login to your MyTax Illinois account at mytaxillinois.gov.
  • Click on the “View All Account Information” tab located in the Unemployment Insurance Grid
  • Locate the "SIDES" Grid
  • Select "Manage SIDES Information"
  • Select "Manage" or "Enroll" next to "Income Verification"
  • Select "Manage" or "Enroll" next to "Separation Information"
• It's that easy!
  

For assistance please call 800-247-4984.

• ​For claims information, press 4
• Then, for SIDES information, press 1

Why should I consider SIDES?

The SIDES website provides an easy, efficient and secure way to electronically respond to UI Notice of Claims information requests from IDES.​

• Eliminates delays related to paper mail delivery;
• Allows more time to gather information and respond
• Ensures more complete information is provided through standard validations and business rules;
• Reduces time-consuming follow-up telephone calls;
• Keeps UI tax rates lower by reducing improper payments.​

SIDES also addresses two of the largest causes of UI overpayments;

• Incorrect initial eligibility decisions (job separation issues) and
• Working while receiving UI benefits

Additional information is available at the Unemployment Insurance State Information Data Exchange (SIDES).​

What is SIDES?

The State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) is a web-based system that allows electronic transmission of information regarding unemployment insurance claims between IDES and employers. Employers that participate in this system may submit information regarding UI claimants in electronic rather than paper form, which is more efficient and secure, and results in fewer errors or overpayments.

Which type of SIDES should I use, E-Response or System Integration?

There are two different ways to use SIDES.

All but the largest employers will use E-Response. This requires no additional software or programming. All claim notifications are sent via e-mail, and employer information can be submitted easily through a web-based interface.

Very large employers, employers with more sophisticated IT departments, and/or employers that use third-party service providers to handle UI claims may want to use System Integration. This solution entails customizable software that integrates into your business systems to automate UI information exchange and handle a large volume of UI claims.

How do I register for SIDES?

Registering for SIDES E-Response is easy if you already have a MyTax Illinois account.

• Simply log in to your MyTax Illinois account at mytax.illinois.gov
• Click on the “Unemployment Insurance” link under the Account tab
• Click on the “Manage Your SIDES Profile” link under the “Account Maintenance” section to start your enrollment

To register for SIDES System Integration, contact the SIDES team at the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) at this link.

I see that I must have a MyTax Illinois account to use SIDES E-Response. How do I sign up for a MyTax Illinois account?

If you are already registered to do business in Illinois, you can create a logon for MyTax Illinois by selecting “Sign Up” under the Log In section of the MyTax Illinois homepage at mytax.illinois.gov

If you still need to register your business, you can do so though MyTax Illinois by selecting “Register a New Business (Form REG-1)” in the Register panel on the MyTax Illinois homepage and complete Form REG-1, Illinois Business Registration Application. After you receive an email confirming your registration has been processed, you can sign up the following day by selecting “Sign Up” on the MyTax Illinois homepage to create your logon. For information or assistance with registering your business, please contact the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) Central Registration Division at 217-785-3707 or by email at rev.mytaxhelp@illinois.gov.

When I try to log in, I keep getting an error stating that my login credentials are incorrect. What should I do?

First, check to make sure that you have used the correct account number and password. If it appears that you have done so, it may be due to one of two common issues:

• If you have leading zeroes at the beginning of your account number, make sure not to include them when logging into SIDES (you are required to include them when logging into MyTax, however).
• If you have more than one account, confirm that you are using the correct PIN for your account. (To reduce confusion, we recommend using different e-mail addresses to register for separate employers.)

If none of these is the source of the error, contact the IDES Employer Hotline at 1-800-247-4984.

I am trying to respond to an issue regarding a UI claim that does not seem to appear anywhere in my account. What happened?

A claim that was made prior to your registration in SIDES will not appear in SIDES. If you registered for SIDES after the claim was made, follow the instructions provided to you in the most recent message you received regarding that claim.

I got locked out of my account. How do I get back in?

If you are locked out of your account after three failed login attempts, please wait 60 minutes before trying again. If the issue persists, contact the IDES Employer Hotline at 1-800-247-4984 for assistance.

Who do I contact when I’m having technical issues with my SIDES account?

For technical issues with your SIDES account, contact the IDES Employer Hotline at 1-800-247-4984 for assistance.