South Carolina's unemployment system is run by the Department of Employment and Workforce, and claims are filed through their website or by phone

South Carolina's Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) handles all unemployment insurance claims in the state. Unlike some states that use a third-party vendor, South Carolina operates its own system. You file claims online at dew.sc.gov, by phone at 1-866-831-1724, or through an in-person office if you need help. The phone line is often busy during peak hours, so calling early in the week or later in the day may be faster.

South Carolina requires you to file your initial claim within two weeks of your last day of work. Once filed, the state sends your claim to your former employer, who has ten days to respond with information about why you were separated from the job. Your benefit amount depends on your earnings in the highest-earning quarter of the past year, and the state calculates this automatically once your claim is processed.

The state's standard processing time is one to two weeks, though during periods of high volume (like after mass layoffs or economic downturns) it can take longer. You can check your claim status online through your DEW account or by calling the same number. South Carolina does not mail paper checks; benefits are deposited to a debit card or your bank account, whichever you choose when you file.

Key Takeaways

  • File your claim within two weeks of your last day of work through dew.sc.gov, by phone at 1-866-831-1724, or at a local DEW office.
  • Your benefit amount is based on your highest-earning quarter in the past year, and South Carolina pays a maximum weekly amount that changes annually.
  • South Carolina requires you to search for work and report your job search activities if you are receiving benefits.
  • If your claim is denied, you have the right to a hearing before an administrative law judge, and you can represent yourself or bring an attorney.
  • The state uses a shared-work program that allows employers to reduce hours instead of laying off workers, which may affect your benefit calculation.

Weekly benefit amounts and how long you can receive them

South Carolina's maximum weekly benefit amount is set each year based on state wage data. The state does not publish a single fixed number; instead, it calculates the maximum as a percentage of the state's average weekly wage. For the most current maximum, check dew.sc.gov or call 1-866-831-1724. Your individual weekly amount is typically 50 percent of your average weekly wage during your highest-earning quarter, up to that state maximum.

The standard benefit period in South Carolina is 26 weeks. If you exhaust your regular benefits and unemployment remains high in the state, you may be able to receive extended benefits through a federal program, but this is not automatic and depends on the state's unemployment rate at the time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government added extra weeks and extra money to state benefits, but those programs have ended. Currently, South Carolina offers only regular benefits and extended benefits when the trigger is met.

You must be unemployed or working reduced hours to receive benefits. If you return to full-time work, your benefits stop. If you work part-time, the state deducts a portion of your earnings from your weekly benefit, using a formula that allows you to keep some of your wages without losing all your benefits.

Work search requirements and reporting

South Carolina requires you to search for work while you receive benefits. You must make at least three work search contacts per week—these can be job applications, interviews, or conversations with employers about job openings. You do not have to report these contacts to the state every week, but you must keep records of them in case the state asks for proof.

The state conducts random audits of claimants' work search records. If you are selected, DEW will send you a notice asking you to submit documentation of your job search activities for a specific week. You have ten days to respond. If you cannot provide proof of three contacts, your benefits may be suspended or denied for that week.

You are not required to accept every job offer, but you must accept "suitable work"—a job that matches your skills, experience, and wage history. If you refuse suitable work without good cause, you may be disqualified from benefits. South Carolina defines good cause narrowly, so it is important to understand what the state considers a valid reason before turning down a job.

What disqualifies you or reduces your benefits

South Carolina disqualifies you from benefits if you were fired for misconduct. The state defines misconduct as deliberate or willful violation of reasonable employer rules, or deliberate disregard of the employer's interests. Being fired for poor performance, inability to do the job, or a single mistake usually does not count as misconduct, but being fired for theft, violence, or repeated rule-breaking does.

You are also disqualified if you quit without good cause. Good cause means you had a legitimate reason connected to your work—for example, unsafe working conditions, wage theft, or a substantial change in job duties. Quitting because you found another job, did not like your boss, or wanted better hours does not count as good cause.

If you receive severance pay or a lump-sum payment from your employer, South Carolina may delay your benefits while that payment is considered. The state treats severance differently depending on whether it is paid as wages for time worked or as a separation payment. Contact DEW before you accept severance to understand how it will affect your claim.

If you are receiving workers' compensation for a work injury, you cannot receive unemployment benefits at the same time. However, once your workers' compensation ends, you may be able to file for unemployment if you are still out of work.

How to appeal a denial or reduced benefit amount

If your claim is denied or your benefit amount is lower than you expected, DEW will send you a written notice explaining the reason. You have 30 days from the date of that notice to file an appeal. You can appeal online through your DEW account, by mail, or by phone. The appeal form is straightforward and does not require a lawyer, though you can bring one if you choose.

Your appeal goes to an administrative law judge who will review your case and hold a hearing. You and your former employer will both have a chance to present information. The hearing is usually held by phone, and you do not need to travel to an office. You can bring witnesses, documents, or evidence to support your case. The judge will issue a written decision within a few weeks.

If you disagree with the judge's decision, you can appeal to the South Carolina Employment Security Commission, which is a higher level of review. This second appeal is less common and usually only happens if you believe the judge made a legal error or did not follow the rules correctly.

Reporting income, returning to work, and stopping benefits

If you return to work while receiving benefits, you must report your earnings to DEW. You can do this online through your account or by calling the claims line. The state will reduce your weekly benefit based on what you earned, using a formula that lets you keep some of your wages. For example, if you earn $200 in a week and your weekly benefit is $300, you may receive a reduced benefit of $100 or $150 depending on the state's calculation.

If you return to full-time work or your earnings exceed a certain threshold, your benefits will stop automatically. You do not need to call and cancel; the state will process this on its own once you report your income. However, if your job ends again within a few months, you may be able to reopen your claim without filing a new one, depending on how much time has passed.

If you stop looking for work or no longer want benefits, you can close your claim by contacting DEW. If you straightforward stop filing weekly claims, your benefits will end, but it is cleaner to formally close your account so there is no confusion later.

South Carolina's shared-work program and other options

South Carolina offers a Shared Work Program that allows employers to reduce employee hours instead of laying workers off. If your employer participates, you may receive a partial unemployment benefit for the hours you did not work, while keeping your job and health insurance. This program is less common than regular unemployment but can be valuable if your employer is considering layoffs.

The state also administers Trade Adjustment information (TAA) for workers who lose jobs due to foreign trade. If you work in manufacturing, agriculture, or another trade-affected industry and your job was eliminated because of imports, you may be able to receive extended benefits and job training through TAA. This is a federal program run through South Carolina, and may be able to access is determined by your industry and the reason for your job loss.

South Carolina does not have a state-funded program for workers who are ineligible for regular unemployment insurance, such as independent contractors or self-employed workers. However, during the pandemic, the federal government created a temporary program for these workers; that program has ended, and there is currently no state alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive my first payment after I file?

Processing usually takes one to two weeks. Once your claim is approved, your first payment is deposited within three to five business days. If your claim is delayed because your employer is responding or the state needs more information from you, it may take longer. You can check your claim status online at any time.

What if I was fired but I disagree that it was for misconduct?

File your claim anyway. South Carolina will send your claim to your employer, and the employer will explain why you were fired. If you disagree with their account, you can provide your own statement. If the state denies your claim, you have the right to a hearing before a judge who will decide whether the firing was truly misconduct under state law.

Can I receive unemployment if I quit my job?

Only if you quit for good cause. Good cause means a legitimate reason connected to your work, such as unsafe conditions, wage theft, or a substantial change in duties without your agreement. Quitting to find another job or because you did not like your boss does not count. If you quit, explain your reason when you file, and the state will decide whether it qualifies.

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

You can continue to receive South Carolina benefits if you move, but you must report the move to DEW and follow the work search rules of your new state. Some states have different requirements, so contact DEW before you move to understand how it will affect your claim. If you move to another state permanently, you may need to file a new claim there instead.

Can I receive unemployment and Social Security at the same time?

Yes, but South Carolina will reduce your unemployment benefit by a portion of your Social Security payment. The reduction is not dollar-for-dollar; the state uses a formula to calculate how much to deduct. Contact DEW if you receive both to understand exactly how much your benefit will be reduced.