SIDES Frequently Asked Questions

What is SIDES E-Response?

  • SIDES E-Response is an ideal solution for smaller employers and TPAs/PEOs to exchange separation information with the Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) 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.

What does enrolling for E-Response with MDOL change?

  • When a Maine employer is enrolled in SIDES E-Response, MDOL will send an electronic request for separation information is pending and earnings verifications to the employer through SIDES and the employer will receive an e-mail notification that the information request was sent to SIDES.

How much does using SIDES E-Response cost an employer?

  • There is no cost for using SIDES E-Response.

Does the E-Response employer need to look at the attachment every time a SIDES request is received?

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

What is a SIDES attachment?

  • When MDOL sends a SIDES separation information request, the request may contain an attachment that includes additional information about the claim and potential employer liability.

Can I register more than one email account with my SIDES E-Response account?

  • 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.

How does an employer enroll for SIDES E-Response?

I enrolled in SIDES E-Response in another state. Do I have to also enroll in Maine?

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

What information is needed for an E-Response employer to log into SIDES?

  • For an E-Response employer to log into the SIDES E-Response site, the employer will need to have their 10-digit Maine 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.
  • You can also access SIDES E-Response thru your ReEmployME employer portal.

How do I receive a PIN for logging into SIDES?

  • 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 ReEmployME-Inquiry-Correspondence-View Correspondence section on the business day following the PIN request. Please contact the MDOL Employer Tax Accounting unit at PHONE NUMBER or  E-MAIL if you require assistance logging into your company’s ReEmployME account.

I lost my PIN, how do I receive a new one?

  • An E-Response enrolled employer should contact Employer Services Division at 207-621-5120 or division.uctax@maine.gov. Make sure you have your 10-digit Maine Employer Account Number and 9-digit Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) on hand when contacting MDOL.

After I log into SIDES, what do I see/do?

  • 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.

Does the SIDES questionnaire pose the same questions for every case?

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

Do I have to create a ReEmployME employer account to enroll in Maine SIDES E-Response?

  • No. However, employers are encouraged to create a ReEmployME system account to have early access to their SIDES PIN letters which are saved in the Correspondence section (ReEmployME-Inquiry-Correspondence-View Correspondence section). ReEmployME access also allows employers to maintain their addresses so MDOL knows where to send other important information. Employers with ReEmployME account or login questions should contact the Employer Services Division at 207-621-5120 or division.uctax@maine.gov .

How do I print a copy of my electronic response?

  • If an employer requires a printed copy of a SIDES response for their records, they can access a pdf copy of the form in their ReEmployME account’s Correspondence section (ReEmployME-Inquiry-Correspondence-View Correspondence section).

How do I update my contact information email address that is associated with my ME SIDES E-Response account?

If an employer enrolls for E-Response, will the employer ever receive a Request for Separation and Wage Information (B-1)?

  • In limited situations, when the Request for Separation and Wage Information (B-1) cannot be sent electronically, MEDOL will mail the form instead. You must reply on the form and send back by fax or mail.

What is the “Response Due Date”?

  • 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.

Where can I learn more about SIDES E-Response?

Will hearing notifications be sent through SIDES?

  • Yes, if a hearing is scheduled during the initial claims process and the employer is a SIDES participant, the notification will be sent through SIDES, as an attachment.
  • Set up portal to receive e-mail notifications for fact-findings after the initial claim is filed. You can receive notifications of all fact-findings and other correspondence by email by setting up an employer portal account in ReEmployME.

How is an E-Response employer notified when a SIDES separation information request has been generated for it?

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

      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 MDOL Integrity unit is notified to perform further claim investigation.