The new unemployment system in IowaWORKS provides a host of tools that help employers better access information related to unemployment insurance (UI). The website also includes a connection point to SIDES (State Information Data Exchange System), a web-based system that offers an enhanced set of tools to allow unemployment agencies and employers to seamlessly send important UI information electronically.
You can now connect with the SIDES system by logging into your UI account on iowaworks.gov and following the steps below.
SIDES E-Response: Designed for employers and Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) who have a lower volume of UI claims. This option does not require any special programming or invention from your IT department. Most employers select or start out with this option.
SIDES Web Service: Designed for employers and TPAs with a high volume of UI claims or those who operate in multiple states. This option requires the employer or TPA to do IT programming and connect your company infrastructure. It generally is used by TPAs who are processing a large volume of employers.
Sign into your iowaworks.gov account and select the Corporate Profile link.
Once on the Corporate Profile page, scroll to the bottom of the page to the SIDES section.
Select the Edit link and then select the SIDES Employer/E-Response button for both the Separation Information Requests Exchange (SI) and Earnings & Wage Verification Requests Exchange (EV).
Then select the Generate New Pin button followed by the Update SIDES (State Information Data Exchange System) link.
This step will take you back to the previous screen and you can find your PIN in the SIDES section.
When a claim is filed, an email will be sent to UI Primary Contact’s email alerting them there is a claim to respond to.
An e-mail with login instructions will be sent to the UI Primary Contact’s email address each day that an item is posted to your account.
There should be a link in the e-mail notification you received about activity in your account.
You will not be able to login if there are no records posted to your account. Any items that have previously been posted will drop off in the SIDES portal after 35 days.
If an e-mail notification with login instructions has been received but you’re still receiving an error, review the following:
Double check your FEIN, SEIN & PIN.
Do not include the dash in your FEIN.
The format for SEIN is six digits with three-digit location code at the end.
PIN is case sensitive.
If you have three unsuccessful attempts at login due to typing errors, your account will be locked out for one full hour after the last attempt. (This is true even if you enter the information correctly on the fourth attempt. If you have entered the information correctly after the one-hour wait and are still unable to login, please send an e-mail to IWD-SIDESINFO@iwd.iowa.gov.
Only one PIN can be assigned for each SEIN/ FEIN. Multiple users may log in using the same credentials, however only one person can open a particular claim at a time.
Sign into your iowaworks.gov account and select the Corporate Profile link. Once on the Corporate Profile page, scroll to the bottom of the page to the SIDES section. You will see your PIN listed.
When a claim is filed, an email will be sent to UI Primary Contact’s email alerting them there is a claim to respond to.
Log into iowaworks.gov and update the UI Primary User’s email address. (The primary address will be the one that is receiving SIDEs notices.)
Each state handles SIDES participation individually. You will be required to have login credentials in each state.
If you decide at any time to discontinue your participation in E-Response & return to paper notice of claims, take the following steps:
Sign into your iowaworks.gov account and select the Corporate Profile link.
Once on the Corporate Profile page, scroll to the bottom of the page to the SIDES section.
Select the Edit link and then Select None for both the Separation Information Requests Exchange (SI) and Earnings & Wage Verification Requests Exchange (EV). Those steps will discontinue your participation.
Please send an e-mail to IWD-SIDESINFO@iwd.iowa.gov. In your e-mail, include as much information about the problem as possible.For example, “I am logged into E-Response, but I am getting error messages when I try to submit my response.”
