Where to log in and what you need
South Carolina's unemployment system is called SCUI Online, and you access it through the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) website at dew.sc.gov. The login portal is labeled "SCUI Online" on the homepage — it is the system claimants use to file weekly claims, check claim status, and view payment history.
To log in, you will need your Social Security number and the password you created when you first registered. If you have not yet created an account, you will need to register first through the same portal. Registration requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address you can access.
The system is available 24 hours a day, though the state sometimes performs maintenance during early morning hours. If you cannot log in during those windows, wait a few hours and try again.
Key Takeaways
- SCUI Online at dew.sc.gov is South Carolina's unemployment portal, where you file weekly claims and check your account status.
- You log in with your Social Security number and a password you create during registration.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email.
- Weekly claims must be filed by the important date shown in your account, usually by Sunday night, or you may lose that week's payment.
- If you cannot log in after trying multiple times, contact SCDEW by phone at 1-866-831-1724 during business hours.
Resetting a forgotten password
Click the "Forgot Password" link on the SCUI Online login page. You will be asked to enter your Social Security number and the email address associated with your account. South Carolina will send a password reset link to that email address.
Check your inbox and spam folder for the email from SCDEW. The reset link typically expires after a few hours, so act quickly. Click the link, create a new password, and log in with your new credentials.
If you do not receive the email, verify that you entered the correct email address. If the address is wrong or you no longer have access to it, you will need to contact SCDEW directly to update your account information before you can reset your password.
What to do if you cannot log in
If you have entered your Social Security number and password correctly but still cannot access your account, the problem may be a temporary system issue or a locked account. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and try again from a different browser or device if possible.
If the problem persists, contact the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce by phone at 1-866-831-1724. This is the main customer service line. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. Representatives can unlock your account, verify your email address, or reset your password over the phone during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can also visit a SCDEW office in person if you are in the state. The department's website lists local office locations and hours.
Filing your weekly claim after logging in
Once you are logged into SCUI Online, you will see your dashboard. Look for the option to file your weekly claim — it is usually labeled "File Weekly Claim" or "Weekly Certification." Click it to begin.
You will answer questions about your work status that week: whether you worked, how many hours you worked, how much you earned, and whether you refused any job offers. Answer honestly. Misreporting your work or earnings can result in overpayment notices and may affect your future claims.
The system will show you the important date for that week's claim, usually Sunday night at 11:59 p.m. File before that time, or you will not receive payment for that week. After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot for your records.
Checking your payment status and history
From your SCUI Online dashboard, you can view your claim status, payment history, and remaining balance. Look for a section labeled "Claim Information," "Payment History," or "Account Balance." This shows you which weeks have been paid, which are pending, and how much you have received.
If a week shows as "pending," it means the state is still processing that claim. Processing usually takes 3 to 5 business days after you file. If a week shows as "denied" or "disqualified," there is a reason listed — read it carefully and contact SCDEW if you believe it is wrong.
You can also see your payment method in this section. South Carolina typically deposits unemployment payments to a debit card or bank account. If you have not received a payment you believe you should have, check your account status first, then call customer service if the status does not explain the delay.
Common login issues and how to fix them
If you see a message that your account is "locked" or "inactive," it usually means you have not filed a claim in several weeks or there is a problem with your account. Call 1-866-831-1724 to unlock it. Have your Social Security number and the reason you stopped filing (if applicable) ready to explain.
If you see an error message about your browser or connection, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then log in again. SCUI Online works best on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you are using an older browser, update it or switch to a newer one.
If you are logging in from outside South Carolina or from a different device than usual, the system may ask you to verify your identity with a code sent to your email. This is a security measure. Check your email, enter the code, and you will be allowed to proceed.
What information you will see in your account
Your SCUI Online account displays your claim details, including the week your claim began, your weekly benefit amount, and the total amount you are may have access to to receive. You will also see a running total of how much you have been paid so far and how much remains available.
The account shows your work history as you reported it during your initial claim and any updates you have made. It displays the status of each week you have filed: "paid," "pending," "denied," or "disqualified." If there are any issues flagged by the state — such as a wage dispute or a question about your availability for work — they will appear in a messages or alerts section.
You can also read documents from your account, such as a statement of benefits paid or a letter confirming your claim status. These are useful if you need proof of unemployment for housing, loans, or other purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forgot my Social Security number or do not have it?
You cannot register or log in without your Social Security number — it is the primary identifier in the system. If you do not have it, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card or number verification. Once you have it, you can register for SCUI Online.
Can I log in on my phone or tablet?
Yes, SCUI Online is accessible from mobile devices through a web browser. The site is not optimized for very small screens, so filing a claim on a phone can be difficult. A tablet or computer is usually easier, but you can file from any device with internet access.
How long does it take to register for a new account?
Registration is when ready. You create your account and log in right away. However, if you are filing an initial claim for the first time, the state may take 1 to 3 business days to review and approve it before you can see your benefit amount or file weekly claims.
What if I see a payment I do not recognize in my account?
Contact SCDEW at 1-866-831-1724 to report it. Do not spend money you are unsure about. The state may have made an error, or there may be an issue with your account that needs investigation. Keep the payment in your account or set it aside until the matter is resolved.
Can I change my password after I log in?
Yes. Once logged in, look for "Account Settings," "Profile," or "Security Settings" — the exact label varies. You should be able to change your password there. Write down your new password in a safe place so you do not forget it.