Where to find the South Carolina unemployment login

South Carolina's unemployment system is called SCUI Online, and you access it through the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce website. The login page is at www.scui.dew.sc.gov. This is where you file weekly claims, check the status of your account, update your contact information, and view payment history.

The site works on most browsers, though South Carolina recommends using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. You will need your Social Security number and a password you create during your first login. If you have never used SCUI Online before, you will set up your account the first time you visit.

SCUI Online is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The system does perform maintenance on some nights and weekends, which the Department of Employment and Workforce announces in advance on their homepage. If you cannot log in during a maintenance window, try again a few hours later.

Key Takeaways

  • The South Carolina unemployment login portal is SCUI Online at www.scui.dew.sc.gov, where you file claims and check payment status.
  • Your username is your Social Security number, and you create your own password during your first login.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email.
  • You must file your weekly claim by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday each week to receive benefits for that week.
  • If you have trouble logging in, contact the Department of Employment and Workforce by phone or through their website contact form before your claim important date.

Setting up your SCUI Online account for the first time

When you visit www.scui.dew.sc.gov for the first time, you will see a login screen. Click the link that says "New User" or "Create Account." You will be asked to enter your Social Security number. This becomes your username for all future logins.

Next, you will create a password. South Carolina requires at least 8 characters, including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (like ! or @). Write down your password somewhere safe, or use a password manager. You cannot change it through SCUI Online itself if you forget it — you will have to reset it using the "Forgot Password" link.

After you create your password, you will answer security questions and confirm your email address. The Department of Employment and Workforce will send you a confirmation email. Check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes. Once you confirm your email, your account is active and you can log in when ready.

What to do if you cannot remember your password

On the SCUI Online login page, click "Forgot Password." Enter your Social Security number. The system will send a password reset link to the email address on file with your account. Check your email (including spam and promotions folders) within a few minutes.

Click the link in the email and follow the prompts to create a new password. The link expires after 24 hours, so reset your password the same day you request it. If you do not receive the email after 24 hours, try requesting the reset again, or contact the Department of Employment and Workforce directly.

If you no longer have access to the email address you used to set up your account, you will need to call the Department of Employment and Workforce. They can verify your identity and update your email address so you can reset your password. Their phone number is on the SCUI Online homepage.

Filing your weekly unemployment claim

Once you are logged in, you will see a dashboard. Look for the option to file your weekly claim. South Carolina requires you to file a claim every week to receive benefits for that week. The important date is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.

When you file, you will answer questions about your work history that week, any income you earned, and whether you turned down any job offers. Answer honestly — the Department of Employment and Workforce cross-checks your answers against employer reports and tax records. False answers can result in overpayment demands or disqualification.

After you submit your claim, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The system will also send you a confirmation email. If you do not receive the email within a few hours, log back in and check that your claim shows as filed.

Checking your payment status and payment history

Your SCUI Online dashboard shows the status of your current claim and a history of all payments you have received. You can see the amount, the week it covers, and the date it was paid. If a payment is pending, the dashboard will tell you why — for example, if your claim is under review or if you have not yet filed that week's claim.

Payments are usually deposited to your bank account or debit card within three to five business days after your claim is processed. If you set up direct deposit, you can see the account ending in the last four digits on your dashboard. If you did not set up direct deposit, South Carolina will mail you a check, which takes longer.

If a payment is missing or late, log in and check the status first. If the dashboard shows the payment as processed but you have not received it, contact the Department of Employment and Workforce with your confirmation number and the week the payment covers.

Updating your contact information and banking details

Your SCUI Online account lets you update your phone number, email address, and mailing address without calling anyone. Log in, find the "Account Settings" or "Profile" section, and make your changes. The system saves them when ready.

If you want to change your banking information for direct deposit, you can usually do this through SCUI Online as well. Look for "Payment Method" or "Direct Deposit" in your account settings. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number. Changes usually take effect within one to two weeks.

Keeping your contact information current is important. The Department of Employment and Workforce uses your phone number and email to reach you if there are questions about your claim or if you are selected for a verification interview. If they cannot reach you, they may deny your claim.

Troubleshooting common login problems

If you see an error message saying "Invalid username or password," double-check that you are entering your Social Security number correctly. Make sure you are not using dashes — enter it as nine digits with no spaces or punctuation. If you are still locked out after three attempts, wait 15 minutes before trying again. The system temporarily blocks repeated failed login attempts to protect your account.

If the website is very slow or will not load at all, try a different browser or clear your browser's cache and cookies. Close the browser completely and open it again. If the problem continues, the system may be down for maintenance. Check the Department of Employment and Workforce homepage for any announcements, or try again in a few hours.

If you see a message that your account is locked or suspended, do not try to log in again. This usually means the Department of Employment and Workforce is reviewing your claim or investigating a potential issue. Contact them directly to find out why and what you need to do next. Calling is faster than waiting for an email response.

Contacting the Department of Employment and Workforce

If you cannot solve your problem through SCUI Online, the Department of Employment and Workforce has a phone line and a contact form on their website. The phone number is listed on the SCUI Online login page. Call during business hours — wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Have your Social Security number, your confirmation number (if you have one), and details about the week or payment in question ready before you call. This helps the representative find your account quickly. If you are calling about a missing payment, tell them the week it should have covered.

You can also submit a question through the contact form on the Department of Employment and Workforce website. Responses usually take one to three business days. For urgent issues — like a payment that is more than a week late — calling is faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my weekly claim on my phone?

Yes. SCUI Online works on mobile browsers, though the layout is smaller. Some people find it easier to use a computer, but you can file your claim from your phone if you need to. Just make sure you submit it before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.

What if I miss the Sunday important date to file my weekly claim?

If you miss the important date, you will not receive benefits for that week. You can file a late claim, but South Carolina only pays late claims in certain situations — usually if you had a documented emergency or if the system was down. Contact the Department of Employment and Workforce to ask if your situation qualifies.

Is SCUI Online find? Will my Social Security number be safe?

SCUI Online uses encryption and security measures to protect your information. Your Social Security number is required because it is how the state verifies your identity. Never share your login credentials with anyone, and do not log in on a public computer if you can avoid it.

Can I change my username from my Social Security number?

No. South Carolina uses your Social Security number as your username in SCUI Online. You cannot change it. You can only change your password.

How long does it take to process a weekly claim after I file it?

Most weekly claims are processed within one to three business days. You can check the status in SCUI Online. If your claim shows as pending after three days, log in and see if there is a message asking for more information. If there is no message and no status change after five business days, contact the Department of Employment and Workforce.