File through the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce website or by phone
South Carolina handles unemployment claims through the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW). You can file online at dew.sc.gov, by phone at 1-866-831-1724, or in person at a local SCDEW office. Most people file online because it is faster and you get a confirmation number when ready.
You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last job — including the employer's name, address, phone number, and the dates you worked there. Have your final pay stub handy if you have one. The online system takes about 20 to 30 minutes if you have all this information ready.
South Carolina processes claims within one week if everything is complete and correct. If SCDEW needs more information from you, they will send a notice to the email or mailing address you provide. Check your email and mail regularly during the first two weeks after you file.
Key Takeaways
- File online at dew.sc.gov, by phone at 1-866-831-1724, or at a local SCDEW office within two weeks of your last day of work.
- Have your Social Security number, ID number, and your last employer's name, address, phone number, and employment dates ready before you start.
- South Carolina requires you to report your reason for leaving your job — quitting without good cause or being fired for misconduct may disqualify you.
- You must be ready and willing to work and search for a job each week to continue receiving payments.
- Weekly payments arrive by debit card or direct deposit, and you certify your may be able to access each week by logging into your account or calling the automated system.
What information to have ready before you file
Gather these documents and details before you start your claim. Having everything in one place prevents you from losing your place in the online form or forgetting a detail that will slow down processing.
Personal information: Your full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license or state ID number. If you have moved in the past two years, have your previous address ready as well.
Employment information: Your last employer's legal business name, street address, city, state, and zip code. You also need the main phone number for the business or the human resources department. Write down the exact dates you started and stopped working — month, day, and year. If you worked under a different name or for a temporary agency, note that too.
Reason for separation: Be ready to explain why you are no longer working. Did you quit, get laid off, or get fired? If you quit, what was the reason? South Carolina distinguishes between leaving for "good cause" (such as unsafe conditions or a significant cut in hours) and leaving without good cause (such as a disagreement with a supervisor). If you were fired, was it for misconduct or for reasons outside your control?
Income information: Your final pay stub showing your gross pay and any deductions. If you do not have a pay stub, write down your hourly wage or salary and how often you were paid.
Filing online step by step
Go to dew.sc.gov and look for the "File a Claim" or "Unemployment Insurance" link on the homepage. You will be taken to the online filing system.
- Enter your Social Security number and create a username and password. Write these down — you will use them to check your claim status and certify weekly.
- Fill in your personal information: full legal name, date of birth, driver's license number, and current mailing address.
- Enter your employment history for the past 18 months. Start with your most recent job. You will need the employer name, address, phone number, job title, dates worked, and reason for leaving.
- Answer questions about your availability to work. You must state that you are able and willing to work and that you are actively searching for a job.
- Provide your preferred payment method: direct deposit to a bank account or a debit card issued by the state. Direct deposit is faster.
- Review your answers and submit. You will receive a confirmation number on the screen — take a screenshot or write it down.
After you submit, SCDEW will send you a confirmation email. If you do not receive an email within 24 hours, log back in to check your claim status. The system will show whether your claim is pending, approved, or if SCDEW is requesting more information.
What happens after you file
SCDEW typically processes claims within one week. During this time, they verify your employment history with your former employer and check whether you meet the basic requirements. Your employer may be asked to confirm your dates of employment and reason for separation.
If SCDEW approves your claim, you will receive a notice in the mail with your weekly benefit amount. This amount is based on your earnings in the highest-paid quarter of the past 18 months. South Carolina's maximum weekly benefit is set by state law and changes each year; contact SCDEW or check their website for the current amount.
If SCDEW denies your claim, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include earning too much money in recent weeks, quitting without good cause, or being fired for misconduct. You have the right to appeal a denial within 10 days of the notice date. The appeal process involves a hearing where you and your former employer can present your side of the story.
If SCDEW needs more information, they will send you a notice asking you to respond within a specific number of days. Respond as soon as you can — if you miss the important date, your claim may be denied.
Weekly certification and payment
Once your claim is approved, you must certify your may be able to access every week to receive payment. Certification means confirming that you were unemployed that week, that you searched for work, and that you reported all income you earned.
You can certify online at dew.sc.gov using your username and password, or by calling the automated phone system at 1-866-831-1724. Certifications are due by midnight on Sunday each week. If you miss the important date, you will not receive payment for that week.
When you certify, you will be asked: Did you work any hours last week? Did you earn any income? Did you search for a job? You must answer honestly. If you worked part-time or earned any income, report it — South Carolina allows you to earn a small amount and still receive partial benefits, but you must report the earnings.
Payments are deposited to your bank account or debit card every week, usually within two business days of certification. If you choose direct deposit, payments arrive faster and more reliably than by mail.
Common reasons claims are delayed or denied
Missing or incomplete information: If you leave blank spaces on your process or provide an employer address that does not match SCDEW's records, processing slows down. SCDEW will contact you, but this can add one to two weeks to your claim.
Employer disputes the reason for separation: Your employer may tell SCDEW that you quit without cause or were fired for misconduct, while you say otherwise. SCDEW will investigate, which can take two to four weeks. You may be asked to provide written details or participate in a phone interview.
Recent income above the threshold: If you earned income in the week you filed or in the week before, SCDEW may delay your claim to verify that you are truly unemployed. Report all income honestly — hiding it will result in overpayment and a demand to repay benefits.
Failure to report work search activities: South Carolina requires you to search for work each week. During certification, you must be able to name at least one employer you contacted or one job you applied for. If you cannot provide this information, you may lose benefits for that week.
Quitting without good cause: South Carolina law says you must have a "good cause" to quit your job. Good cause includes unsafe working conditions, a significant reduction in hours or pay, or harassment. Disagreeing with your boss or being unhappy with the job is not good cause. If SCDEW determines you quit without good cause, your claim will be denied.
If your claim is denied or you disagree with the decision
You have 10 calendar days from the date on the denial notice to file an appeal. Do not wait — missing this important date means you lose your right to appeal.
To appeal, contact SCDEW by phone at 1-866-831-1724 or visit a local office in person. You can also file online through your account at dew.sc.gov. Tell them you want to appeal and provide your claim number.
SCDEW will schedule a hearing, usually by phone, within two to three weeks. You will speak with a hearing officer who will listen to your side of the story and your employer's side. Bring any documents that support your case: emails, text messages, pay stubs, or written notes about what happened. The hearing officer will make a decision within a few days and send you a written notice.
If you disagree with the hearing officer's decision, you can appeal to the South Carolina Court of Appeals, but this requires a lawyer and is uncommon. Most people either accept the decision or refile if their circumstances change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file after I lose my job?
You should file within two weeks of your last day of work. South Carolina does not have a strict important date, but filing late can delay your first payment. If you wait more than a few weeks, SCDEW may ask you to explain the delay.
Can I file if I was fired?
Yes, but it depends on why you were fired. If you were fired for misconduct — such as stealing, violence, or repeated rule-breaking after warnings — you will be denied. If you were fired for poor performance, not being a good fit, or reasons outside your control, you may be approved. File and let SCDEW investigate.
What if my employer goes out of business or cannot be reached?
SCDEW will try to contact your employer at the address and phone number you provide. If the business no longer exists, SCDEW will note that in your file. Provide as much detail as you can about where the business was located and when it closed.
Do I have to search for a job every week?
Yes. South Carolina requires you to search for work each week as a condition of receiving benefits. During certification, you must report at least one job you applied for or one employer you contacted. Keep a straightforward list of dates, company names, and job titles so you can answer this question honestly each week.
What if I earn money while collecting unemployment?
Report all income during weekly certification. South Carolina allows you to earn a small amount and still receive partial benefits. If you earn more than a certain amount per week, your benefits will be reduced or stopped. The exact amount changes each year — ask SCDEW for the current threshold when you file.