Where to file and what you need before you start

South Carolina's unemployment system is run by the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW). You file through their website at dew.sc.gov, not through a phone line or in person. The entire process happens online, though you can call their customer service line at 803-737-2400 if you get stuck on a specific step.

Before you open the process, gather these documents and information: your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, your most recent pay stub or W-2, the name and address of your current or most recent employer, and the dates you worked there. If you were laid off or had hours cut, have a brief explanation ready — you'll type it into a text box. If you were fired, you'll need to describe what happened. Have your bank account information ready if you want your payment deposited directly (this is faster than a debit card).

The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes if you have everything in front of you. If you don't have a pay stub or W-2, you can still file — DEW will contact your employer to verify your wages. Waiting for that verification can delay your first payment by one to two weeks, so gather what you can before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • File at dew.sc.gov using your Social Security number and information about your most recent job, including employer name, address, and dates worked.
  • Have your pay stub or W-2 ready to speed up wage verification; if you don't have it, DEW will contact your employer but this delays payment.
  • Describe why you left your job or were let go in the text box provided; if you were fired, be factual about what happened.
  • After you file, you must file a weekly claim every Sunday through Thursday to keep receiving payments; missing a week stops your benefits.
  • South Carolina's maximum weekly payment is $387, and the benefit year runs for 52 weeks from your first claim date.

Step-by-step: Creating your account and filing your initial claim

Step 1: Go to dew.sc.gov and click "File a Claim." You'll land on a page that says "Unemployment Insurance" with a button to start. Click it. You do not need to create a username and password first — the system will walk you through that as part of filing.

Step 2: Enter your Social Security number and date of birth. The system will ask if you have filed in South Carolina before. If you have, it may pull up your old account. If it does, you can use that account or start fresh. Most people start fresh because circumstances change. If the system says your Social Security number is already in use and you did not create that account, call 803-737-2400 to report it.

Step 3: Create a username and password. Write these down or save them in a password manager. You'll use this login every week to file your weekly claim. The password must be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers.

Step 4: Fill in your personal information. Name, address, phone number, and email. Use an email you check regularly — DEW sends claim confirmations and payment updates to this address. If your address changes after you file, log back in and update it when ready.

Step 5: Enter your employment history. Start with your most recent job. You'll type in the employer's name, the city and state where you worked, your job title, the date you started, and the date you stopped working. If you worked there for more than one year, list the most recent 18 months. If you worked multiple jobs in the past 18 months, add each one.

Step 6: Explain why you're no longer working. The system gives you a dropdown menu with options like "Laid off," "Quit," "Fired," "Hours reduced," or "Temporary layoff." Pick the one that matches. Then you'll see a text box asking you to describe what happened. Type a short, factual explanation. If you were laid off, write "Employer eliminated my position due to business closure" or similar. If you quit, write why — "Relocated" or "Found other work" or "Medical reasons." If you were fired, describe the reason without arguing: "Terminated for attendance" or "Let go due to performance issues." Do not write angry or defensive statements. DEW uses this to determine if you're disqualified, and tone matters.

Step 7: Enter your employer's information. The system will ask for the employer's phone number and mailing address. If you don't have the phone number, leave it blank — DEW can look it up. The address is important; if you get it wrong, DEW may not be able to reach your employer to verify your wages.

Step 8: Provide your bank account details or request a debit card. If you have a checking or savings account, enter the routing number and account number from a blank check or your bank's website. This is the fastest way to get paid — deposits usually arrive within 2 to 3 business days of approval. If you don't have a bank account, select "Debit Card" and DEW will mail you a card to a prepaid account. The card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Step 9: Review and submit. The system shows you everything you entered. Read through it. If anything is wrong, go back and fix it. Then click "Submit." You'll see a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. This is your proof that you filed.

What happens after you file your initial claim

After you submit, the system tells you your claim is "pending." This means DEW is reviewing it. You should receive an email within 24 hours confirming receipt. Do not assume silence means approval — check your email and spam folder.

Within 3 to 5 business days, DEW will contact your employer to verify that you worked there and how much you earned. Your employer has 10 days to respond. If they don't respond or if there's a disagreement about your wages or reason for separation, DEW will contact you by phone or mail to ask questions. Answer honestly and quickly — delays here push back your first payment.

Once DEW approves your claim, you'll receive a letter in the mail with your weekly benefit amount. South Carolina's maximum is $387 per week, but your actual amount depends on your earnings in the past 18 months. The letter also tells you the week your benefits start and the week they end (52 weeks from your first claim date).

You do not receive a payment for the week you file your initial claim. Your first payment comes the following week, after you file your first weekly claim.

Filing your weekly claim every week

This is the part many people miss: you must file a weekly claim every week to receive payment. Missing one week stops your benefits for that week. Missing two weeks in a row can disqualify you entirely.

Log into your account at dew.sc.gov using the username and password you created. The system opens a weekly claim form every Sunday at midnight. You can file anytime from Sunday through Thursday. The form asks: Did you work this week? How many hours? How much did you earn? Are you still looking for work? Answer honestly. If you worked, report your gross pay (before taxes), not your net pay. If you earned more than your weekly benefit amount, your payment for that week is reduced or stopped.

After you file your weekly claim, you'll see a confirmation screen. Take a screenshot or write down the confirmation number. The payment usually arrives in your bank account or on your debit card within 2 to 3 business days. If you don't see it by Friday, log back in and check your claim status.

If you cannot file online, call 803-737-2400 to file by phone. But filing online is faster and creates a record you can access anytime.

Common mistakes that delay or stop your payment

Reporting the wrong reason for separation. If you quit and select "Laid off," or if you were fired and select "Quit," DEW will investigate. This doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it delays approval. Be honest on the first filing.

Entering your employer's address wrong. If DEW can't reach your employer to verify your wages, your claim stays pending. Double-check the address before you submit. If you realize it's wrong after filing, log back in, update it, and call 803-737-2400 to tell them you corrected it.

Not filing your weekly claim. The system doesn't send you a reminder. If you forget to file on Thursday, you lose that week's payment. Set a phone alarm for Wednesday evening so you remember to file before the Thursday important date.

Reporting your net pay instead of gross pay. When you file your weekly claim and report earnings, use the amount before taxes and deductions. If you report the wrong number, DEW may overpay you and ask for the money back later.

Changing your bank account or address without updating your account. If you move or switch banks and don't update DEW, your payment goes to the old account or address. Log in and update this information when ready.

If your claim is denied

DEW will mail you a letter explaining why your claim was denied. Common reasons include: you quit without good cause, you were fired for misconduct, you didn't earn enough in the past 18 months to meet the minimum, or you're not able and available to work.

You have 30 days from the date on the letter to file an appeal. Call 803-737-2400 and ask for the appeals process, or go to dew.sc.gov and look for "Appeal a Decision." You'll attend a hearing (usually by phone) where you and your employer can explain what happened. Bring any documents you have — pay stubs, emails, texts, or written warnings. If you were fired, bring proof of what you were accused of and your response. If you quit, bring proof of the reason (medical records, job offer letter, lease showing you moved, etc.).

The appeals process takes 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, you don't receive payment, but if you win the appeal, you get back pay for all the weeks you were denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my first payment?

If your claim is approved quickly (3 to 5 days), your first payment arrives 2 to 3 business days after you file your first weekly claim. That's usually 10 to 14 days after you file your initial claim. If DEW needs to verify your wages with your employer, it can take 3 to 4 weeks.

What if I find a new job while I'm receiving benefits?

Report your earnings on your weekly claim. If you earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you receive a partial payment. If you earn more, your payment stops for that week. Once you've worked four weeks, your claim ends and you stop receiving benefits. You can file a new claim if you lose that job later.

Can I file if I was a contractor or self-employed?

No. South Carolina unemployment covers only employees, not contractors or self-employed workers. If your employer classified you as a contractor but you worked like an employee (set hours, supervisor, company equipment), you can file a wage claim with DEW to challenge the classification. Call 803-737-2400 to ask about this option.

What if my employer says I quit but I was actually laid off?

File your claim and explain what happened in the text box. DEW will contact your employer and ask them to verify the separation reason. If there's a disagreement, DEW holds a hearing. Bring any proof you have — a layoff notice, email, text message, or witness who was there. If you win, you receive back pay.

Do I have to look for work while I'm receiving unemployment?

Yes. When you file your weekly claim, the system asks if you're actively looking for work. You must answer yes. You don't have to prove it by submitting job applications to DEW, but if you're audited or if your claim is questioned, you should be able to show that you looked. Keep a list of jobs you applied for, dates, and company names.