Where to log in to your South Carolina unemployment account

South Carolina's unemployment system is called SCUI (South Carolina Unemployment Insurance). You log in through the state's official portal at www.scui.dew.sc.gov. This is where you check your claim status, view payment history, report weekly if required, and upload documents.

The site is maintained by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW). When you arrive at the homepage, you will see a login box on the left side. You will need your Social Security number and a password you created when you first filed your claim.

If you do not yet have an account, you can create one on the same site by selecting the new user option. The system will walk you through basic information and ask you to set a password. You should receive a confirmation email once your account is active.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at www.scui.dew.sc.gov using your Social Security number and password.
  • You can check your claim status, payment history, and weekly certifications in one place once logged in.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email.
  • The site is most stable during off-peak hours; high traffic periods (early mornings and Mondays) can cause slowdowns.

What you can do once you are logged in

After logging in, your dashboard shows your current claim status at the top. You will see whether your claim is active, pending, or closed. Below that, you can view a history of all payments received, including the date and amount of each deposit.

If your state requires weekly certification (a statement that you are still unemployed and looking for work), you will see a "Weekly Certification" section. This is where you report each week. The system will tell you which weeks are open for reporting and which are already submitted.

You can also upload documents directly through your account. This is useful if DEW asks for proof of job search, separation documents, or other supporting papers. The upload tool is usually under a "Documents" or "Correspondence" tab.

Resetting your password if you are locked out

If you forget your password or cannot log in, click the "Forgot Password" link below the login box. The system will ask for your Social Security number and email address. South Carolina will send you a password reset link to the email on file.

Check your email (including spam folders) within a few minutes. Click the link in the email and follow the prompts to create a new password. Passwords must be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers.

If you do not receive an email within 10 minutes, verify that the email address you entered matches the one in your claim file. If you are still unable to reset your password, you can call the DEW customer service line at 1-866-831-1724 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time).

Common login problems and what to do

The most frequent issue is entering the wrong Social Security number format. South Carolina's system expects your nine-digit SSN without dashes or spaces. If you see an error message, try entering it as a continuous string: 123456789.

If the site is running slowly or timing out, it is often because of high traffic. The system experiences peak congestion on Monday mornings and between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on weekdays. Try logging in during afternoon or evening hours if you are not in a time-sensitive situation.

Some users report that their browser does not display the site correctly. If buttons do not appear or text is cut off, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then logging in again. You can also try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge all work with the SCUI portal).

What to do if your account shows no claim or wrong information

If you log in and see no active claim, it may mean your claim was denied, closed, or never successfully filed. Check your email for any notices from DEW. These letters explain the status and what step comes next.

If your claim exists but shows incorrect information (wrong employer name, wrong dates of employment, wrong weekly benefit amount), do not try to fix it yourself through the login portal. Instead, contact DEW directly at 1-866-831-1724 or file an appeal if you disagree with a decision. DEW staff can correct errors in your file.

If you filed a claim but never received a confirmation number or login instructions, your claim may not have gone through. You can refile through the same portal or call DEW to check whether a claim is on record under your name.

Security and protecting your account

Your SCUI account contains sensitive information: your Social Security number, employment history, and payment details. Do not share your password with anyone, including DEW staff. Legitimate DEW employees will never ask for your password.

Always log in directly at www.scui.dew.sc.gov rather than clicking links in emails or texts. Scammers sometimes send fake emails that look like they are from DEW and direct you to a fake login page. If you receive an unexpected email asking you to log in or verify information, go directly to the official site instead.

Log out when you are finished, especially if you are using a shared computer. The logout button is usually in the upper right corner of the page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I never set up a password when I filed my claim?

You should have received an email with login instructions when your claim was filed. If you did not, use the "Forgot Password" option to create one. If that does not work, call DEW at 1-866-831-1724 and they can resend your setup email or help you create credentials over the phone.

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes, the SCUI portal works on mobile browsers. Go to www.scui.dew.sc.gov on your phone's browser and log in the same way you would on a computer. The layout adjusts for smaller screens, though some users find it easier to use a desktop or tablet.

How often do I need to log in and report?

That depends on your claim type and whether South Carolina requires weekly certification for your situation. Once logged in, the system will show you which weeks are open for reporting. If no certification section appears, weekly reporting is not required for your claim.

What if I see a message that my claim is "pending"?

Pending means DEW is still reviewing your claim and has not yet made a decision. This can take one to three weeks. You will receive an email or letter when a decision is made. Do not log out and stop checking—keep your account active and report weekly if the system asks you to.

Is there a phone number I can call instead of logging in online?

Yes. You can reach DEW at 1-866-831-1724 during business hours. However, wait times are often long, especially early in the week. Logging in online is usually faster for checking your status, payment history, and submitting weekly reports.