What South Carolina UI covers and who can file

South Carolina's unemployment insurance program is run by the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW). The program pays weekly cash benefits to workers who lost their job through no fault of their own — layoffs, business closures, and reduction in hours all count. You cannot receive benefits if you quit, were fired for misconduct, or are self-employed.

The amount you receive depends on your earnings in the past year. South Carolina calculates your weekly benefit amount by taking your highest quarter of earnings and dividing by 26. The state's maximum weekly benefit is set each year; as of 2024, it is $405 per week, though your actual amount will likely be lower. You can receive benefits for up to 12 weeks in a standard claim year, though this can extend during periods of high unemployment.

You must be able and available to work, and you must actively search for a job each week you claim benefits. South Carolina requires you to document your job search efforts — keep records of employers you contacted, dates, and how you applied (phone, email, in person, online). You will report these contacts when you file your weekly claim.

Key Takeaways

  • File your initial claim through the South Carolina DEW website (dew.sc.gov) or by phone at 1-866-831-1724; you will need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months.
  • Your weekly benefit amount is based on your highest quarter of earnings in the past year, with a state maximum of $405 per week as of 2024.
  • You must search for work each week and document every employer contact — phone calls, emails, applications, and interviews — to report when you file your weekly claim.
  • South Carolina allows you to earn up to $50 per week without losing benefits, but earnings above that reduce your weekly payment dollar-for-dollar.
  • If your employer contests your claim or you are denied, you have the right to a hearing before an administrative law judge; request it within 30 days of the denial letter.

How to file your initial claim

Start your claim on the DEW website at dew.sc.gov. Click "File a Claim" and create an account with your email and password. You will answer questions about your employment history, the reason you are no longer working, and your availability to work. Have ready your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID number, and the names and dates of employment for all jobs you held in the past 18 months.

If you prefer not to file online, call the DEW claims line at 1-866-831-1724. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or mid-week. A representative will walk you through the same questions and file your claim over the phone. Either way, file as soon as you lose work — benefits are backdated to the week you became unemployed, but only if you file within a reasonable time.

After you file, DEW will send you a notice showing your weekly benefit amount and the week your benefits begin. This notice also lists your employer's name and the reason DEW recorded for your job loss. Read it carefully — if the reason is wrong (for example, if DEW says you quit when you were laid off), contact DEW when ready to correct it. Your employer may contest the claim, and the reason listed affects whether you win that dispute.

Filing weekly claims and reporting work search

Once your claim is approved, you must file a weekly claim every week you want to receive a payment. You can file online through your DEW account or by phone. The weekly claim asks whether you worked that week, how much you earned, and whether you are still able and available to work.

South Carolina requires you to report your work search activities each week. You must contact at least one employer per week — this can be a phone call, email, process, or interview. Write down the employer's name, the date you contacted them, the method (phone, email, in person, online), and the position you asked about. When you file your weekly claim, you will enter this information. If you do not report work search contacts, your claim can be denied for that week.

If you worked during the week, report your gross earnings (before taxes). South Carolina allows you to earn up to $50 per week without any reduction in benefits. Earnings above $50 reduce your weekly benefit by $1 for every $1 you earn. For example, if your weekly benefit is $300 and you earned $100, you would receive $250 that week ($300 minus the $50 you are allowed to keep).

What happens if your employer contests your claim

Your former employer receives notice that you filed for benefits and has the right to contest the claim. They typically argue that you quit, were fired for misconduct, or are not otherwise may have access to to benefits. If your employer contests, DEW will send you a letter explaining their objection and scheduling a phone hearing.

You will speak with an administrative law judge who will ask you and your employer (or their representative) about the circumstances of your job loss. Bring any documents you have — emails, written warnings, pay stubs, or messages from your employer. Explain clearly why you lost your job and why you believe you are may have access to to benefits. The judge will issue a written decision within a few days.

If the judge denies your claim, you can appeal to the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the decision. You do not need a lawyer, but the process is formal. Many people consult with a legal aid organization or employment attorney at this stage. Contact South Carolina Legal Services (sclegals.org) if you cannot afford a lawyer.

Reporting changes and avoiding overpayment

You must report certain changes to DEW right away. If you return to work, start a new job, or your hours or pay change, contact DEW within 10 days. If you move, change your phone number, or change your email, update your account online or call the claims line. Failing to report changes can result in an overpayment — money you received but were not may have access to to — and DEW will ask you to repay it.

If you receive a notice that you were overpaid, you have the right to request a hearing to dispute it. You can also ask DEW about a repayment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Do not ignore an overpayment notice — DEW can take money from future tax refunds or garnish wages to recover the debt.

If you are offered a job and turn it down without good reason, report this to DEW. Refusing work without cause can disqualify you from benefits. Good reasons include unsafe working conditions, pay significantly below your usual wage, or a job that conflicts with your existing work schedule.

Understanding benefit year and maximum duration

Your benefit year runs for 52 weeks from the date you file your initial claim. During that year, you can receive up to 12 weeks of benefits in a standard claim year. If the state unemployment rate is high, South Carolina may trigger extended benefits, which can add up to 13 additional weeks, but this is rare and requires state approval.

Once you exhaust your 12 weeks (or extended weeks if available), your claim ends. You cannot file a new claim until a new benefit year begins — typically 52 weeks after your original filing date. If you become unemployed again before your benefit year ends, you may be able to file a new claim if you have earned enough wages since your last claim ended.

Check your account regularly to see how many weeks of benefits you have used and how many remain. DEW's website shows your claim balance and payment history. If you are running low on benefits and still unemployed, start planning now — look into job training programs, career counseling, or other resources offered by DEW or local workforce development boards.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is not filing your weekly claim on time. If you miss the important date for a week, you lose the benefit for that week — DEW cannot backpay it. File your claim as soon as the week ends, ideally within a few days. Set a reminder on your phone if you tend to forget.

Another frequent error is not reporting work search contacts. DEW audits claims randomly and asks people to provide proof of their job search. If you cannot produce the names, dates, and contact methods, your claim can be denied. Keep a straightforward written log — a notebook or spreadsheet — of every employer you contact.

Underreporting or not reporting earnings is a serious mistake that leads to overpayment and potential fraud charges. Always report your gross earnings, even if you earned less than $50. DEW cross-checks with employers' wage reports, so they will learn about you did not disclose income.

Finally, do not assume a denial is final. If DEW denies your claim or reduces your benefits, read the letter carefully and follow the instructions to request a hearing. Many denials are reversed at the hearing stage because the judge hears your side of the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can receive benefits while in school only if the school is part of an approved workforce development or retraining program. You must be able to attend classes and still be available for work. Contact DEW or your local workforce development board to find out which programs may have access to.

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

File your claim and explain what happened. When your employer contests, you will have a hearing where you can tell your side. Bring any evidence — emails, text messages, or witness statements — that show you did not quit. The judge will decide based on the facts.

Do I have to report gig work or side jobs?

Yes. Report all earnings, including money from gig platforms like DoorDash or Uber, freelance work, or part-time jobs. Earnings above $50 per week reduce your benefit. DEW may also verify income through tax records or third-party reports.

What if I cannot work because of illness or injury?

Unemployment benefits require you to be able and available to work. If you are unable to work due to illness or injury, you may not be may have access to to unemployment benefits. Instead, explore workers' compensation (if the injury is work-related), short-term disability, or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

How long does it take to receive my first payment?

After your claim is approved, your first payment typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. South Carolina pays by direct deposit or debit card. If you do not receive payment within two weeks of filing, contact DEW to check the status of your claim.