LINCOLN, Neb. – A statewide program designed to streamline the unemployment claims process while still ensuring accuracy and security was honored for its effectiveness recently.
Nebraska Department of Labor has received awards for its reemployment program and the data exchange system used to gather information from employers involved in unemployment insurance claims.
Recently, the National Association of State Workforce Agencies recognized Nebraska and four other states for Outstanding Performance implementing the State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) Web Services. SIDES provides a direct link between employers and state workforce agencies for unemployment insurance benefit claims processing. Employers send information electronically through a secure website, which eliminates paper, increases payment accuracy, and reduces processing time. SIDES helps decrease improper payments and enhance eligibility accuracy by improving the quality of information provided to states.

The United States Department of Labor set a goal for states to use SIDES Web Services or E-Response on 50 percent of their unemployment insurance claims and use SIDES electronic response with 100 percent of the employers and third-party administrators. The award recipients all met that threshold.
In addition to the Outstanding Performance award for the implementation of the employer data exchange system, the American Institute for Full Employment has honored Nebraska’s reemployment program with the 2016 Full Employment Best Practices Award. The award is given to the state agency that best exemplifies a commitment and dedication to reemployment of unemployment insurance claimants through proactive policies and innovative programs.
 “It’s exciting to see the national recognition continuing for this program that is truly helping employers grow opportunities for working Nebraskans across our state,” said Governor Ricketts. “This program is helping to support our employers looking for talent while providing workers with the connections they need to transition off unemployment benefits and into their next job.”
“The Department of Labor shares the Institute’s passion for empowering workers to obtain meaningful employment,” said Commissioner of Labor John H. Albin. “The recognition from them reinforces our desire to continuously improve the reemployment program to best serve both workers
and employers.”