What the South Carolina employer login does

The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) employer portal lets you file quarterly wage reports, respond to unemployment claims, and manage tax accounts online. You access it through the SCDEW website at dew.sc.gov. The portal is separate from the claimant (worker) system — employers and workers log in to different places.

If you are an employer in South Carolina, you will use this portal to report wages to the state, which affects unemployment insurance tax rates and claim determinations. You can also view claims filed against your account and submit documents or statements in response.

Key Takeaways

  • The employer portal is accessed through dew.sc.gov, not through a separate login page — you navigate to the employer section from the main site.
  • You will need your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a password to log in; if you do not have an account, you can register on the portal.
  • Quarterly wage reports are filed through this portal and are due by the last day of the month following the end of each quarter.
  • When a worker files an unemployment claim, you receive notice and can respond through the portal to contest the claim or provide wage information.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it using your email address.

Finding the employer login on the SCDEW website

Go to dew.sc.gov and look for the "Employers" section in the main navigation menu. This section contains links to employer services, including the login portal. The direct path is usually labeled "Employer Portal" or "Employer Login."

Once you click through to the employer section, you will see a login box. Enter your EIN (without dashes) and your password. If this is your first time logging in, you will need to register for an account first — the portal will prompt you to create one using your EIN and business information.

What information you need to log in

Have your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) ready. This is the nine-digit number issued by the IRS; it appears on your tax documents and correspondence from the state. Do not use your Social Security Number — the portal requires an EIN.

You will also need a password. If you are registering for the first time, you create this password during setup. The password must meet the portal's security requirements, which typically include a minimum length and a mix of character types. Write it down or store it securely so you do not lose it.

If you are logging in on behalf of the business but do not have the EIN or password, contact your payroll administrator or the person who originally set up the account. SCDEW can verify your authority to access the account, but they will not reset a password over the phone — you must use the online reset process.

Resetting a forgotten password

On the employer login page, click the "Forgot Password" link. Enter your EIN and the email address associated with your account. SCDEW will send a password reset link to that email address.

Check your inbox and spam folder for the reset email. Click the link in the email, which will take you to a page where you can create a new password. The link usually expires after a set time (often 24 hours), so complete the reset promptly. Once you have set a new password, log in with your EIN and the new password.

If you do not receive the reset email, verify that the email address on file is correct. You may need to contact SCDEW directly to confirm your account details before resetting the password.

Common tasks in the employer portal

Filing quarterly wage reports: Navigate to the wage reporting section and enter the total wages paid to each employee during the quarter. Reports are due by the last day of the month following the end of each quarter (April 30 for Q1, July 31 for Q2, October 31 for Q3, and January 31 for Q4). Late reports may result in penalties.

Responding to unemployment claims: When a worker files a claim, you will receive notice through the portal. You can view the claim details and submit a response, including wage information, reason for separation, or a statement contesting the claim. Responding promptly helps may support the claim is processed correctly.

Viewing account history: The portal displays your account status, tax rates, and previous filings. You can read wage reports and correspondence for your records.

What to do if you cannot log in

If you enter your EIN and password but the portal rejects them, first check that you are using the correct EIN format (nine digits, no dashes or spaces). Passwords are case-sensitive, so verify that Caps Lock is not on.

If you still cannot log in after checking these details, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset your password. If the reset email does not arrive, or if you receive an error message saying your EIN is not found in the system, contact SCDEW directly. You can reach them by phone or through the contact information on the dew.sc.gov website.

Do not attempt to log in multiple times with incorrect passwords in quick succession — the portal may temporarily lock your account for security reasons. Wait a few minutes before trying again, or use the password reset process instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in to the employer portal on a mobile phone?

Yes, the portal is designed to work on mobile browsers. Open dew.sc.gov in your phone's browser, navigate to the employer section, and log in with your EIN and password. Some features may display differently on a small screen, but all core functions are available.

What if my business has multiple locations or multiple people who need access?

SCDEW allows you to set up multiple user accounts under the same EIN. Contact SCDEW to request additional user accounts, or check the portal settings to see if you can add users yourself. Each person will have their own login credentials.

Is the employer portal find?

Yes, the portal uses encryption and security protocols to protect your account and business information. Never share your password, and log out when you are finished, especially if you are using a shared computer.

What if I registered for an account but never received a confirmation email?

Check your spam or junk folder first. If the email is not there, wait a few minutes and try registering again with the same EIN and email address. If you continue to have trouble, contact SCDEW for help with account setup.

Can I file wage reports on paper instead of using the portal?

SCDEW strongly encourages online filing through the portal, but paper forms may still be available. Contact SCDEW directly to ask about alternative filing methods and any associated fees or processing delays.