What you need to know before you file in South Carolina

South Carolina's unemployment system is run by the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW), and you file your claim online through their website or by phone. You cannot walk into an office and file in person. The state processes claims through a system called SCUI Online, which is where you'll create an account, submit your initial claim, and file weekly certifications to keep your claim active.

South Carolina has a waiting week — the first week you're unemployed doesn't count toward benefits, even if you file when ready. This means if you lose your job on a Monday, that week is unpaid. Your benefits start the following week if you meet the state's requirements. The amount you receive depends on your earnings in the past year, but South Carolina's maximum weekly benefit is lower than many other states.

You'll need to file a new claim each week to continue receiving payments — this is called weekly certification. Missing even one week can pause your benefits, so mark the important date on your calendar. South Carolina's fiscal year for unemployment runs from July to June, which affects when your claim year ends and whether you need to file a new initial claim.

Key Takeaways

  • File your initial claim through SCUI Online at scui.dew.sc.gov or by calling 1-866-831-1724 within two weeks of losing your job.
  • South Carolina has a one-week waiting period before benefits begin, so your first week of unemployment is unpaid.
  • You must file a weekly certification every week to receive payment — missing one week stops your benefits until you file again.
  • Have your Social Security number, driver's license or ID, and information about your last employer ready before you start.
  • The state will contact your employer to verify the reason you left work, so be honest about whether you quit, were fired, or were laid off.

Step-by-step: Filing your initial claim online

Go to scui.dew.sc.gov and select "File a New Claim" or "File Initial Claim." You'll be asked to create a login account with an email address and password. Use an email you check regularly — South Carolina will send claim updates and payment information to this address. Write down your username and password somewhere safe; you'll use them every week to file your certification.

Fill in your personal information: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address. Then enter information about your last job — the employer's name, address, phone number, and the dates you worked there. You'll be asked why you're no longer working: select whether you were laid off, fired, or quit. Be truthful here. If you quit, explain why (for example, unsafe conditions, lack of pay, or a move). If you were fired, describe what happened. South Carolina will contact your employer to verify your answer, and lying can result in overpayment demands or fraud charges.

Next, you'll report your earnings for the past 52 weeks. Have your last few pay stubs or a letter from your employer showing your gross weekly earnings. South Carolina uses this to calculate your weekly benefit amount. You'll also answer questions about whether you're in school, receiving workers' compensation, or collecting a pension — these can affect your benefits. Review everything before you submit. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation number; save this.

Filing by phone if you can't use the website

Call 1-866-831-1724 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week or after a holiday. Have your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and your last employer's information ready before you call. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form.

Phone filing takes longer than online filing, and you won't receive a confirmation number when ready. Ask the representative for a reference number or the date and time of your call so you have proof you filed. If the line is busy, try again later or use the online system instead — it's faster and available 24 hours a day.

Weekly certification: What to do every week

After your initial claim is processed, you'll receive a letter in the mail with your weekly benefit amount and your certification important date. The important date is usually the same day each week — often a Sunday or Monday. Log into SCUI Online using your username and password and select "File Weekly Certification." You have until 11:59 p.m. on your important date to file.

Each week, you'll answer whether you worked, earned any money, or refused any job offers. If you worked part-time or did gig work, report your gross earnings (before taxes). South Carolina allows you to earn a small amount and still receive partial benefits, but earnings above a certain threshold reduce or eliminate your payment that week. If you turned down a job, explain why — the state wants to know if you had a good reason (such as unsafe conditions or pay below minimum wage) or if you refused without cause.

File your certification on time every single week, even if you worked and earned money. If you miss your important date, your benefits stop. You can file late (up to two weeks late in most cases), but you won't receive payment for the weeks you missed. Set a phone reminder for your important date day so you don't forget.

What information to have ready

Before you start your claim, gather these documents and information:

  • Your Social Security number
  • A valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Your last employer's name, address, and phone number
  • The dates you worked at your last job (start and end date)
  • Your gross weekly or monthly earnings from the past year (check recent pay stubs or ask your employer for a wage statement)
  • Your current mailing address and phone number
  • An email address you check regularly

If you worked for more than one employer in the past year, have information about all of them. South Carolina may contact previous employers too, especially if there's a question about why you left. If you were laid off due to lack of work, have any notice or letter from your employer. If you were fired, write down what happened in your own words before you file — this helps you explain clearly when asked.

Common mistakes that delay or deny claims

The most common mistake is not filing your weekly certification on time. Many people file their initial claim and then forget to file the following week. Your benefits don't come automatically — you must certify every week. If you miss even one week, your claim pauses and you lose that week's payment. Set a calendar reminder or ask a family member to remind you.

Another mistake is giving incorrect information about why you left your job. If you say you were laid off but your employer says you quit, South Carolina will investigate. During the investigation, your benefits may be delayed or denied. Be honest from the start. If you quit, explain the reason clearly — "I quit because the job was unsafe" or "I quit because I moved to another state" are valid reasons that may still may have access to you. "I just didn't like it" is harder to defend.

Failing to report earnings is also a problem. If you work part-time or do gig work while collecting benefits, you must report it on your weekly certification. If you don't report earnings and South Carolina finds out later, you'll owe back the overpayment plus penalties. It's better to report and receive a reduced benefit than to hide income.

Finally, don't ignore letters from South Carolina. If DEW sends you a notice asking for more information or saying your claim is under review, respond within the important date (usually 10 days). If you don't respond, your claim can be denied or closed.

How long it takes and when you'll receive payment

Your initial claim is usually processed within one to two weeks. During this time, South Carolina contacts your employer to verify the reason you left work. If there's a dispute — for example, your employer says you quit but you say you were laid off — the investigation can take longer, sometimes three to four weeks.

Once your claim is approved, your first payment arrives about one week later. South Carolina pays by debit card (called the Unemployment Insurance Card) or by direct deposit to your bank account if you choose that option. The debit card is mailed to you; it can take several days to arrive. If you want direct deposit instead, you can change this in your SCUI Online account.

Weekly payments arrive on the same day each week, usually a Wednesday or Thursday. Check your account online or call the automated payment line at 1-866-831-1724 to see your payment status. If a payment is missing, don't wait — contact DEW right away.

What disqualifies you or reduces your benefits

South Carolina denies or reduces benefits if you quit your job without good cause. "Good cause" means the job was unsafe, the pay was below minimum wage, or you had to move for a serious family reason. Quitting because you didn't like your boss or wanted a different job is not good cause.

You're also disqualified if you were fired for misconduct — meaning you deliberately broke a rule or did something you knew was wrong. Being fired for poor performance or making a mistake is usually not misconduct. If you were fired, South Carolina will ask why, and your employer will be contacted. Be honest about what happened.

If you refuse a job offer without good cause, you may lose benefits. South Carolina considers a job offer "suitable" if it's in your field, pays at least 75% of your previous wage, and doesn't require you to travel more than 30 minutes. If you turn down a suitable job, explain why — unsafe conditions, unreasonable hours, or a medical reason are valid. If you refuse without a good reason, you can be disqualified.

Earning too much money also reduces your benefits. South Carolina allows you to earn up to a certain amount per week and still receive partial benefits. Earnings above that threshold reduce your payment dollar-for-dollar. Report all earnings honestly on your weekly certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will I receive per week?

South Carolina calculates your weekly benefit based on your earnings in the past year. The maximum weekly benefit varies by year but is typically around $370 to $400. Your actual amount depends on your gross earnings — the higher you earned, the higher your benefit (up to the state maximum). You'll see your weekly amount in the letter South Carolina mails after your claim is approved.

What if my employer contests my claim?

If your employer says you quit or were fired for misconduct, South Carolina will investigate. You'll receive a letter asking for your side of the story. Respond within the important date (usually 10 days) with a written explanation. If there's a disagreement, you have the right to a hearing before an administrative law judge. South Carolina will tell you how to request a hearing if your claim is denied.

Can I work part-time while collecting unemployment?

Yes, but you must report your earnings on your weekly certification. South Carolina allows you to earn a small amount and still receive partial benefits. Earnings above a certain threshold reduce your payment. For example, if your weekly benefit is $300 and you earn $100, you might receive $200 that week. Always report earnings — hiding them can result in overpayment demands and fraud charges.

What if I move to another state while collecting benefits?

Contact South Carolina DEW when ready and tell them your new address. You can continue to file weekly certifications online or by phone from anywhere. However, if you move because you found a job in another state, you'll need to stop your South Carolina claim and file in your new state instead. Some states have agreements to transfer claims, but you should contact both states to understand how the transition works.

How long can I collect unemployment in South Carolina?

South Carolina typically allows you to collect for up to 12 weeks (about three months) during normal economic times. During periods of high unemployment, the state may extend benefits to 20 weeks. The exact length depends on the state's unemployment rate and federal law. Your letter will tell you when your claim year ends and whether you're may be able to access for extended benefits.