Where to file your South Carolina unemployment claim

South Carolina handles unemployment claims through the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW), which is the only place to file. You cannot file through a local office or by phone — all claims go through the online portal at dew.sc.gov or by mail to the address listed on their website.

The online filing system is the faster route. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or 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 cut, have that documentation ready. The system will ask you to describe why you are no longer working, and your answer matters — South Carolina denies claims for people who quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct.

If you cannot file online, you can mail a paper form to DEW, but processing takes longer. Call the DEW claims line at 1-866-831-1724 if you need help locating the mailing address or have questions about what documents to send.

Key Takeaways

  • South Carolina unemployment claims are filed only through the Department of Employment and Workforce online portal at dew.sc.gov or by mail.
  • You must report the reason you left work, and claims are denied if you quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct.
  • Weekly claims must be filed every week you want to receive a payment, and missing a week stops your benefits that week.
  • South Carolina's maximum weekly benefit is set each year and varies based on your prior earnings; the state does not pay for the first week you are unemployed.
  • The state processes most claims within two to three weeks, but delays happen if your employer disputes the claim or if information is missing from your process.

What South Carolina pays and how long benefits last

South Carolina's regular unemployment insurance (UI) program pays a weekly benefit amount based on your earnings in the highest-earning quarter of the year before you filed. The state calculates this as roughly one-third of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum. That maximum changes each year — it was $387 per week in 2024, but you should check dew.sc.gov for the current year's figure because it shifts annually.

Benefits last up to 12 weeks in South Carolina, which is shorter than many other states. You receive payment for each week you file a claim and remain unemployed, but the state does not pay for your first week out of work — this is called the waiting week. That means if you file when ready after losing your job, your first payment covers week two of unemployment, not week one.

To receive a payment each week, you must file a weekly claim form through the same online portal where you filed your initial claim. If you miss a week, you do not receive payment for that week, and you cannot go back and file it later. The state mails payments by debit card, which arrives within one to two weeks of approval.

When South Carolina denies or delays your claim

South Carolina denies claims most often when you quit your job or were fired. The state considers quitting without good cause — such as unsafe working conditions, a substantial cut in pay, or harassment — to be disqualifying. If your employer contests your claim and says you were fired for misconduct, DEW will contact you and ask for your side of the story. You have a right to respond, and this response matters: many people lose at this stage because they do not reply to DEW's letter.

Claims are also delayed when information is missing or unclear. If DEW cannot reach your employer to verify your employment dates or reason for separation, the claim sits in a queue. If you moved recently or your phone number changed, update your contact information on dew.sc.gov when ready so you do not miss a letter from the state.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal within 10 days of the denial letter. The appeal goes to a hearing officer who will review both your account and your employer's. Many people win on appeal because they present evidence the employer did not provide — pay stubs, emails, witness statements, or documentation of the working conditions that led them to quit.

Extended benefits and pandemic-era programs

When the regular 12-week program ends and you are still unemployed, South Carolina does not automatically extend benefits. Extended Benefits (EB) are available only when the state's unemployment rate is high enough to trigger them — this happens rarely and only for a limited time. You do not explore separately; if EB is active, DEW will notify you and you can continue filing weekly claims.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, South Carolina offered Pandemic Unemployment information (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provided extra weeks and covered self-employed workers. These programs ended in September 2021. If you received payments under these programs and later received a notice that you owed money back, that was a overpayment notice. You can request a waiver of repayment if you can show the overpayment was not your fault — for example, if DEW made an error in calculating your benefit. Contact DEW to request a waiver form.

Work search requirements and reporting

South Carolina requires you to search for work while receiving unemployment benefits. You must be able to show that you are looking for a job and are ready to return to work. The state does not require you to report specific job applications or contacts, but you should keep records of where you applied and when, because DEW can ask for this information at any time.

If you turn down a job offer or refuse to interview for a position, you must be prepared to explain why. Refusing work without good cause can disqualify you from benefits. Good cause includes a wage that is substantially lower than your prior job, unsafe conditions, or a commute that is unreasonably long.

How to contact South Carolina DEW and track your claim

The main claims phone line is 1-866-831-1724. Wait times are long, especially early in the week and early in the morning. You can also check the status of your claim online at dew.sc.gov by logging into your account — the portal shows whether your claim is pending, approved, or denied, and displays the amount of your weekly benefit.

If you need to report a change in your circumstances — such as returning to part-time work, moving to a different state, or a change in your address — update your information through the online portal. Do not wait for DEW to contact you, because delays in reporting can result in overpayments that you will be asked to repay.

Unemployment while working part-time or with reduced hours

South Carolina allows you to earn some income while receiving unemployment benefits. The state does not pay benefits for any week in which your earnings exceed your weekly benefit amount. For example, if your weekly benefit is $300 and you earn $250 that week, you receive $50 in unemployment. If you earn $300 or more, you receive nothing that week.

You must report all earnings when you file your weekly claim, including tips, bonuses, and any self-employment income. Failing to report earnings is considered fraud, and the state will ask you to repay any benefits you received while working.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Layoffs and lack of work are not disqualifying reasons in South Carolina. File your claim as soon as you are laid off, and report the reason as "lack of work" or "reduction in hours." Your employer may contest the claim, but layoffs are generally approved unless your employer claims you were fired for misconduct.

What happens if my employer says I was fired for cause?

DEW will send you a letter asking for your account of what happened. You have 10 days to respond. Write a clear, factual explanation and include any evidence — emails, text messages, witness names, or documentation of the incident. Many people win because they provide details the employer did not mention.

How long does it take to receive my first payment?

Most claims are processed within two to three weeks. You will receive a debit card in the mail once your claim is approved. If your claim is delayed because your employer is contesting it or information is missing, processing can take four to six weeks or longer.

Can I receive unemployment if I move out of South Carolina?

You can continue to receive South Carolina unemployment if you move to another state, but you must report the move to DEW and update your address. Some states have reciprocal agreements with South Carolina, but the rules vary. Contact DEW before you move to understand how it affects your benefits.

What do I do if I disagree with the amount of my weekly benefit?

The amount is calculated based on your earnings in the highest quarter of the year before you filed. If you believe the calculation is wrong, contact DEW with your pay stubs or tax return showing your actual earnings. If DEW made an error, they will recalculate and adjust your future payments.