Getting into your SC unemployment account

South Carolina's unemployment portal is called SCUI Online, and you reach it through the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) website. The login page is at www.scdew.org — look for the "SCUI Online" button or link on the homepage, usually near the top.

You will need two things to log in: your Social Security number and the password you created when you first registered. If you have never logged in before, you must create an account first. The system will ask you to verify your identity using information from your initial claim, so have that paperwork nearby if this is your first time.

The portal works on most browsers, but SCDEW recommends using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. If you are having trouble loading the page, try clearing your browser's cache or using a different browser entirely. Mobile access is available, though some features work better on a desktop or laptop.

Key Takeaways

  • The South Carolina unemployment portal is called SCUI Online and is accessed through www.scdew.org.
  • You log in with your Social Security number and the password you created during your initial claim registration.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it — you will need to answer security questions or verify your identity.
  • New users must create an account and verify their identity before they can log in for the first time.
  • If you cannot log in after trying these steps, contact SCDEW directly by phone or through their website contact form.

Creating your account if you are a new user

If you have filed a claim with South Carolina but have never logged into SCUI Online, you need to set up your account. Go to www.scdew.org, find the SCUI Online login area, and look for a link that says "Create Account" or "New User." The system will ask for your Social Security number and other details from your original claim.

You will then create a username and password. Your password must be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or @). Write this password down somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it.

After you create your account, SCDEW may send you a confirmation email or text message. Check your email (including spam folders) and follow any links or instructions in that message. Some accounts are activated when ready; others may take a few hours.

Resetting a forgotten password

On the SCUI Online login page, click the "Forgot Password" link. The system will ask you to enter your Social Security number and answer security questions you set up when you created your account. If you remember the answers, you can reset your password right away.

If you cannot remember your security question answers, SCDEW may offer to send a reset link to the email address or phone number on file with your claim. Check your email (including spam and promotions folders) for a message from SCDEW. The reset link usually works for 24 hours.

If neither method works, you will need to contact SCDEW directly. Call their customer service line at 1-866-831-1724 (toll-free) or visit www.scdew.org to find other contact options. Have your Social Security number and claim number ready when you call.

Common login problems and what to try

You see an error message saying your account is locked. This usually happens after several incorrect password attempts. Wait at least 30 minutes, then try logging in again. If it stays locked, use the "Forgot Password" process or call SCDEW.

The page will not load or keeps timing out. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If you are on a mobile device, try switching to a desktop or laptop. Disable any browser extensions (like ad blockers) that might interfere with the site. If the problem continues, try a different browser entirely.

You log in successfully but cannot see your claim information. Make sure you are looking at the correct account — you may have created more than one by accident. If you filed multiple claims, each one has its own login. If you are certain you are in the right account and still see nothing, contact SCDEW; your claim may not have been fully processed yet.

You never received a confirmation email after creating your account. Check your spam and promotions folders first. If it is not there, log in to the email account you used for your claim and verify that address is correct in SCDEW's system. You can also call SCDEW to confirm your email address on file.

What you can do once you are logged in

Once you are in SCUI Online, you can view your claim status, check payment history, and see how much you have received. You can also update your contact information (address, phone number, email) and upload documents if SCDEW asks for them.

The portal shows your weekly claim status — whether you have filed your weekly certification, whether payments have been processed, and any messages from SCDEW about your account. If you owe money back or if there is a hold on your claim, that information will appear here too.

You cannot file your initial claim through SCUI Online if you are a new claimant; that is done through a separate process process. But once your claim is active, you use SCUI Online to file your weekly certifications and manage your account.

Contacting SCDEW if you need more help

If you have tried the steps above and still cannot log in, or if you have questions about your account, contact the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce directly.

Phone: 1-866-831-1724 (toll-free). Lines are typically busiest early in the week and early in the day. Have your Social Security number and claim number ready.

Online: Visit www.scdew.org and look for a "Contact Us" page or form. You can also check their website for live chat options, which may be available during business hours.

In person: SCDEW has local offices throughout South Carolina. You can find the office nearest you on their website. Bring your ID and Social Security card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log into SCUI Online on my phone?

Yes, the portal works on mobile browsers, but some features display better on a desktop or tablet. If you have trouble on your phone, try using a different browser or switching to a computer. The mobile experience has improved over time, so try again if you had problems before.

What if I created an account but never filed a claim?

An account in SCUI Online is not the same as filing a claim. You must file a separate claim process through SCDEW to start receiving benefits. If you created a login but have not filed a claim, contact SCDEW to start the claim process.

How long does it take to create an account and log in for the first time?

Account creation usually takes a few minutes. Identity verification can happen when ready or take a few hours, depending on how SCDEW processes your information. Once verified, you should be able to log in right away.

Is SCUI Online find?

SCDEW uses encryption and security measures to protect your information. Do not share your password with anyone, and do not log in on a public computer if you can avoid it. Always log out when you are done, especially on a shared device.

What should I do if I think someone else is using my account?

Change your password when ready using the "Forgot Password" link. Then contact SCDEW by phone at 1-866-831-1724 to report the issue. They can review your account activity and help protect it from further unauthorized access.