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 website at dew.sc.gov. The login page is separate from the main site — you'll need to go directly to the SCUI Online portal rather than searching from the homepage.

To log in, you need your Social Security number and a password you created when you first registered. If you don't have an account yet, you'll create one before you can check claim status, view payment history, or report your weekly work search activities.

The portal works on most browsers, but South Carolina recommends using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. If you're having trouble loading the page, clearing your browser cache or trying a different browser often fixes the problem.

Key Takeaways

  • SCUI Online at dew.sc.gov is where you log in to check your claim status and payment history in South Carolina.
  • You'll need your Social Security number and the password you created when you first set up your account.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page — you'll answer security questions or verify your email to reset it.
  • The system is usually available 24 hours a day, but maintenance windows on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings may cause brief outages.
  • If you can't log in after trying password reset, contact the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce by phone or through their website contact form.

Resetting your password if you're locked out

Click the "Forgot Password" link on the SCUI Online login page. You'll be asked to enter your Social Security number, and then the system will offer you two ways to verify your identity: answering security questions you set up when you created your account, or receiving a reset link by email.

The email option is usually faster. If you no longer have access to the email address you registered with, you'll need to answer the security questions instead. Write down the answers exactly as you entered them — the system is case-sensitive for some fields.

After you verify your identity, you'll create a new password. South Carolina requires passwords to be at least 8 characters long and include at least one uppercase letter, one number, and one special character (like ! or @). Once you've set your new password, you can log in when ready.

What to do if you can't reset your password online

If the password reset tool doesn't work — for example, if you don't remember your security questions or can't access your email — you'll need to contact the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce directly. Call their customer service line at 1-866-831-1724. Wait times are typically shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Have your Social Security number ready when you call. A representative can verify your identity through other means and either reset your password for you or help you regain access to your account. Some offices also allow you to visit in person with a photo ID, though calling ahead is recommended to confirm hours and location.

Understanding what you'll see after you log in

Once you're logged in, the dashboard shows your current claim status at the top — whether it's "Active," "Inactive," "Pending," or another status. Below that, you'll see your payment history, which lists each week you were paid, the amount, and the payment method (direct deposit or debit card).

You can also view your claim details, including the week your claim started and the weekly benefit amount you're may have access to to receive. If you're required to report your work search activities each week, there will be a section where you can enter that information — some weeks this is mandatory, and missing the important date can pause your payments.

The portal also shows any messages from the Department of Employment and Workforce. Read these carefully, as they often contain requests for documents or information you need to provide to keep your claim active.

System maintenance and when you can't log in

SCUI Online performs scheduled maintenance most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Eastern time. During these windows, the system is unavailable. If you're trying to log in during these hours, wait until the maintenance window ends.

If you're locked out of your account after multiple failed login attempts, the system will temporarily block access for security reasons. Wait at least 30 minutes before trying again. If the lockout persists, use the password reset tool or contact customer service.

Occasional unplanned outages do happen. If the site is down and you need to report work search activities or submit documents by a important date, contact the Department of Employment and Workforce to let them know you tried to access the system but couldn't. They can often extend important date in these situations.

Logging in on a mobile device

SCUI Online works on smartphones and tablets, but the experience is better on a desktop or laptop. If you're using a phone, make sure you're using a full browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox) rather than the Facebook or Google app browser, which sometimes doesn't display the login page correctly.

If the mobile site is slow or won't load, try switching to desktop view in your browser settings. You can also bookmark the SCUI Online page so you don't have to search for it each time you log in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I never created a SCUI Online account?

You'll need to register before you can log in. On the dew.sc.gov website, look for the "Register" or "Create Account" button on the SCUI Online portal page. You'll provide your Social Security number, email address, and create a password. Registration takes about 5 minutes and is free.

Can I log in if I'm outside South Carolina?

Yes. SCUI Online is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. You don't need to be in South Carolina to log in or manage your claim, though you may need to contact the Department of Employment and Workforce by phone if you have questions about your specific situation.

Is my information safe when I log in?

SCUI Online uses encryption to protect your data. Never share your password with anyone, and don't log in on a public computer if you can avoid it. If you use a public computer, always log out completely and clear your browser history when you're done.

What if I see an error message when I try to log in?

Common errors include "Invalid username or password" (check that you're using your Social Security number, not a username) and "Account locked" (wait 30 minutes and try again). If you see a different error code, write it down and call customer service at 1-866-831-1724 — they can look up what the code means and help you fix it.

Can someone else log into my account for me?

No. Only you can log in with your Social Security number and password. If you need help managing your claim, contact the Department of Employment and Workforce and ask about representative payee options or authorized representative status, which allows someone to act on your behalf with proper documentation.