What South Carolina Unemployment Pays and Who Administers It

South Carolina's unemployment insurance program is run by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW), and it pays a weekly benefit to workers who lose their job through no fault of their own. The amount you receive depends on your earnings during a specific period before you file, and the length of time you can collect depends on the state's current unemployment rate.

South Carolina does not publish a fixed maximum weekly benefit amount on its website — the amount changes each year based on state wage data. You can find the current rate by calling SCDEW at 803-737-2400 or visiting their website at scdew.sc.gov. The program typically covers up to 26 weeks of benefits in a standard year, though this can extend during periods of high unemployment when federal extensions become available.

Unlike some states, South Carolina does not offer a separate partial unemployment program for workers whose hours are reduced. You must be either fully unemployed or working zero hours in your regular job to draw benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have earned enough wages in South Carolina during the 12 months before you file, with a minimum of $1,400 in total wages and at least $400 in a single quarter.
  • You cannot receive benefits if you quit your job, were fired for misconduct, or refused suitable work without good cause.
  • You must file your claim with SCDEW within a specific window after your job ends, and you report your work search activities weekly to keep receiving payments.
  • South Carolina requires you to actively search for work each week and document those efforts when asked, or your benefits can be stopped.
  • The state does not allow you to receive benefits while you are on vacation, taking time off by choice, or waiting to start a new job.

Earnings and Work History Requirements

To receive unemployment benefits in South Carolina, you must have worked in the state and earned a minimum amount during the 12 months before you file your claim. Specifically, you need at least $1,400 in total wages across that entire year, and you must have earned at least $400 in wages during a single calendar quarter (three-month period) within that same 12 months.

SCDEW uses your Social Security number to match your earnings to your claim, so make sure your employer reported your wages correctly. If you worked for multiple employers in South Carolina, SCDEW will add all those wages together to see if you meet the $1,400 threshold. Wages earned outside South Carolina do not count toward this requirement, even if you worked in a neighboring state.

If you do not meet these thresholds, you will be denied benefits. There is no exception for workers who came close or who worked for only a short time. If you believe your earnings were not reported correctly, you can contact SCDEW to request a wage verification, though this process typically takes several weeks.

Reasons You Cannot Receive Benefits

South Carolina will deny or stop your benefits if you left your job voluntarily without what the state considers "good cause." Good cause is narrowly defined and usually means you had a serious problem at work that you reported to your employer and gave them a chance to fix. Leaving because you were unhappy, wanted better pay, or found another job does not count as good cause.

You will also be denied if you were fired for misconduct. Misconduct means willful or negligent violation of your employer's rules — not straightforward making a mistake or performing poorly. If you were fired for attendance, safety violations, theft, or repeated rule-breaking after being warned, SCDEW will likely deny your claim. If you were fired for a single mistake or for not meeting performance goals, you may still be found ineligible depending on the details.

Additionally, you cannot receive benefits if you refused an offer of suitable work. Suitable work means any job that matches your skills and experience and pays at least 75% of your previous wage. If SCDEW or a work-search program refers you to a job and you turn it down without good reason, your benefits will stop.

You are also ineligible if you are receiving severance pay, vacation pay, or other payments from your employer that are meant to replace wages. Once those payments end, you may become may be able to access again, but you cannot collect unemployment while you are still being paid by your former employer.

How to File Your Claim

You must file your claim with SCDEW as soon as possible after your job ends. The state does not have a strict important date published, but waiting too long can result in a delayed start to your benefits — South Carolina typically pays benefits back to the week you became unemployed, but only if you file within a reasonable time.

You can file online at scdew.sc.gov, by phone at 803-737-2400, or in person at a SCDEW office. Filing online is usually the fastest option. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last employer, including their name, address, and the dates you worked there.

When you file, you will be asked about the reason you are no longer working. Be honest and specific — if you quit, explain why; if you were fired, describe what happened. SCDEW uses this information to determine whether you are ineligible for any reason. If your employer disputes your account, SCDEW will contact both of you and make a information based on the evidence.

After you file, SCDEW will send you a notice by mail with your weekly benefit amount and the date your benefits begin. This notice also explains how to file your weekly claim and what you must do to keep receiving payments.

Weekly Reporting and Work Search Requirements

Once your claim is approved, you must file a weekly claim to receive each week's payment. You do this by phone or online through SCDEW's system, usually on a specific day each week assigned to you based on your Social Security number. If you miss your weekly filing important date, you will not receive payment for that week.

When you file your weekly claim, you must report whether you worked, earned any money, or received any payments from your employer. You must also confirm that you are actively searching for work. South Carolina requires you to make a genuine effort to find employment — this typically means explore for jobs, attending interviews, contacting employers, or using job-search resources.

SCDEW does not require you to submit a list of jobs you applied for every week, but the state can ask you to provide this information at any time. If you cannot show that you searched for work when asked, your benefits will be stopped. You should keep records of every job you explore for, including the employer name, date, and position title.

You must also report if you are on vacation, taking time off, or waiting to start a new job. During any week you are not available for work or not actively searching, you cannot receive benefits for that week.

What Happens If Your Employer Contests Your Claim

When you file, SCDEW sends a notice to your former employer asking them to confirm the reason you are no longer working. If your employer disagrees with your account — for example, if you said you were laid off but they say you quit — they can file a protest with SCDEW.

If your employer protests, SCDEW will hold a fact-finding interview with you, usually by phone. You will be asked to explain the circumstances of your job loss in detail. Your employer may also be interviewed. Based on these interviews, SCDEW will make a information about whether you are ineligible.

If SCDEW denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You must file your appeal within 10 days of receiving the denial notice. The appeal goes to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce Appeals Board, which will hold a hearing where you and your employer can present evidence. You can represent yourself or bring someone to help you. Many workers find it helpful to bring written records, emails, or witness statements to support their account.

Taxes, Overpayments, and Other Important Rules

Unemployment benefits in South Carolina are subject to federal income tax. SCDEW does not automatically withhold taxes from your payment, so you may owe money when you file your tax return. You can request that SCDEW withhold 10% of your benefits for taxes, which you can arrange when you file your claim or by contacting SCDEW later.

If SCDEW determines that you were paid benefits you were not may have access to to — for example, because you did not report that you were working — you will owe the money back. This is called an overpayment. SCDEW will send you a notice explaining the amount owed and your options for repayment. You can request a waiver of the overpayment in some cases, such as if you made an honest mistake and repaying it would cause you severe hardship, but waivers are not may provide.

If you return to work while receiving benefits, you must report your earnings on your weekly claim. South Carolina allows you to earn a small amount without losing benefits — typically up to one-third of your weekly benefit amount — but earnings above that will reduce or eliminate your payment for that week.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. A layoff or reduction in hours due to lack of work is one of the main reasons people receive unemployment benefits. You must have met the earnings requirements and must file your claim promptly. Your employer may still contest the claim, but if they confirm the layoff, you should be approved.

What if I was fired but I think it was unfair?

Unfair treatment is not the same as ineligibility. SCDEW looks at whether you were fired for misconduct — willful or negligent violation of rules. If you were fired for poor performance, a single mistake, or a policy you disagreed with, you may still receive benefits. If you were fired for repeated rule-breaking or safety violations, you will likely be denied. You can appeal any denial.

How long does it take to receive my first payment?

After you file your claim, SCDEW typically processes it within one to two weeks. Your first payment is usually issued by debit card or direct deposit within a few days of approval. If your employer protests your claim, the process takes longer — sometimes several weeks — while SCDEW investigates.

Can I receive unemployment while I am in school or training?

You can receive benefits while attending school part-time if you are still actively searching for work and available to work. If you are in full-time school or a full-time training program, you are not considered available for work and cannot receive benefits. Some federally funded training programs may have exceptions, so contact SCDEW to ask about your specific situation.

What if I move out of South Carolina while receiving benefits?

You can continue to receive South Carolina benefits if you move to another state, but you must file your weekly claim and report that you are searching for work in your new location. Some states have reciprocal agreements with South Carolina, which means you can file your claim in your new state instead. Contact SCDEW to ask about your new state's rules.