What South Carolina unemployment insurance covers

South Carolina's unemployment insurance program is run by the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW). The program pays a portion of your lost wages if you lose your job through no fault of your own — layoffs, business closures, or lack of work all may have access to. Being fired for misconduct or quitting without good cause disqualifies you.

The state sets its own benefit amounts and duration. South Carolina's maximum weekly benefit is $387 (as of 2024, though this figure changes annually). You can receive benefits for up to 12 weeks in a standard benefit year, though during periods of high unemployment the state may extend this to 20 weeks. The amount you receive depends on your earnings in the base period — the first four of the five calendar quarters before you file your claim.

South Carolina does not have a waiting week, meaning you can receive payment for your first week of unemployment. You must be actively looking for work to continue receiving payments, and you report your job search activities when you file your weekly claim.

Key Takeaways

  • South Carolina's Department of Employment and Workforce processes all unemployment claims, and you file online through their website or by phone.
  • Your weekly benefit amount depends on your earnings during the base period (the first four of the five quarters before you file), with a state maximum of $387 per week.
  • You can receive benefits for up to 12 weeks in a standard year, with potential extensions to 20 weeks during high unemployment periods.
  • You must report job search activities each week you claim benefits, and you have no waiting week before your first payment.
  • Work-related income, part-time earnings, and certain types of severance can reduce or eliminate your weekly benefit amount.

How to file a claim in South Carolina

You file your initial claim through the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce website at dew.sc.gov. You can also file by phone at 1-866-831-1724. The online portal is faster and allows you to upload documents when ready, which speeds up the verification process.

You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID number, and information about your most recent employer — their name, address, phone number, and the dates you worked there. If you were laid off or had your hours reduced, have the reason ready. If you were fired, you will need to explain the circumstances; the state will contact your employer to verify.

After you file, DEW sends a notice to your last employer asking them to confirm the separation reason and your wage history. This verification step typically takes one to two weeks. Once verified, your claim becomes active and you begin filing weekly claims to receive payments. You file these weekly claims online or by phone every Sunday through Saturday, reporting any work or income you had that week.

What disqualifies you or reduces your payment

You cannot receive benefits if you quit your job without good cause, were fired for misconduct, or refused suitable work. "Good cause" means a reason connected to your job — unsafe conditions, wage theft, or a substantial change in your duties. Personal reasons like childcare problems or a spouse's job transfer do not count as good cause.

Work-related income reduces your weekly benefit dollar-for-dollar. If you earn $100 in a week and your benefit is $300, you receive $200 that week. Some types of severance pay, vacation pay paid after separation, and bonuses can also reduce benefits, depending on when they are paid and how your employer reports them. Pension income and Social Security do not reduce unemployment benefits.

If you receive a notice that you have been disqualified, you have 10 days to file an appeal with DEW. The appeal goes to a hearing officer who reviews the separation circumstances. If your employer contests your claim, this hearing determines whether you were fired for misconduct or quit with good cause.

Payment timing and direct deposit

Once your claim is verified and active, your first payment arrives within one to two weeks of your initial filing date. Payments are issued weekly on Thursdays if you set up direct deposit, which is the fastest method. Without direct deposit, the state mails a check, which takes an additional three to five business days.

You can set up direct deposit through your online account at any time. If you prefer not to use direct deposit, South Carolina issues payments by check. Some claimants also receive a debit card issued by the state's payment processor, which functions like a bank card and allows you to withdraw funds at ATMs.

If you file a weekly claim and report no work or income, your payment processes automatically. If you report work or income, DEW calculates your reduced benefit and processes that amount. Payments continue as long as you remain unemployed, actively search for work, and file your weekly claim on time.

Work search requirements and reporting

South Carolina requires you to make a genuine effort to find work each week you claim benefits. You must be able and available to work, and you cannot turn down suitable job offers. The state does not require you to document specific job applications or contacts, but you must be prepared to describe your search activities if DEW asks.

When you file your weekly claim, you report whether you worked, earned income, or had any changes in your situation. You also confirm that you are able and available to work and that you are actively searching. If you are offered a job and refuse it, you must have a good reason — the job is unsuitable because of wages, hours, or working conditions, or you have a legitimate conflict.

If you return to part-time or temporary work, continue filing weekly claims and report your earnings. Your benefit reduces based on what you earned that week. Many people use unemployment benefits to bridge the gap while working part-time or searching for full-time work.

Pandemic-related programs that have ended

South Carolina received federal funding for expanded unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) program, which added $600 per week, and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which extended benefits beyond the state's 12-week limit. Both programs ended in September 2021.

The state also ran the Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) program for self-employed workers and gig workers, which also ended in 2021. If you received pandemic-related benefits and later received a notice that you owe money back, contact DEW to discuss your options — some overpayments were waived under federal rules, and others can be repaid on a schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive unemployment if I was laid off due to lack of work?

Yes. Lack of work is one of the clearest reasons for unemployment benefits. You do not need to prove the business was closing or that you were the only person laid off — if your employer had no work for you, you meet the basic requirement. Your employer will confirm this when DEW contacts them.

What happens if my employer says I quit?

DEW will contact you and ask for your account of what happened. If you say you were laid off and your employer says you quit, a hearing officer reviews both stories. Bring any documentation — emails, texts, or written notices from your employer — that support your version. If you did quit, explain why; if it was for a job-related reason like unsafe conditions or wage theft, you may still may have access to.

Can I work part-time and still receive unemployment?

Yes. Part-time earnings reduce your weekly benefit, but you can continue to receive a partial benefit. If you earn $100 in a week and your full benefit is $300, you receive $200 that week. Report all work and income on your weekly claim form.

How long does it take to get my first payment?

Your first payment arrives one to two weeks after your claim is verified, assuming your employer confirms the separation without dispute. If your employer contests your claim, payment is delayed until a hearing is held. Direct deposit is fastest; checks take an additional three to five business days.

What do I do if I disagree with a decision DEW made about my claim?

You have 10 days from the date on the notice to file an appeal. File online through your DEW account or by mail to the address on the notice. An appeal goes to a hearing officer who reviews documents and may hold a phone hearing. You can represent yourself or bring someone to help you.