How do I file for unemployment benefits in South Carolina?

Q: How do I file for unemployment benefits in South Carolina?

South Carolina unemployment is administered by the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) under S.C. Code § 41-31-10 et seq. 1. How and When to File - File online at dew.sc.gov through MyBenefits . - File the first week of unemployment. - A one-week waiting period applies. 2. Weekly Benefit Amount - Range: $42 to $326 per week (2025). - Calculated as 50% of average weekly wage in the base period, capped. - Maximum 12 to 20 weeks based on statewide unemployment rate (S.C. Code § 41-35-40) — among the shortest durations in the country. 3. Eligibility Requirements (S.C. Code § 41-35-110) - Wages of at least $4,455 in two highest quarters combined. - Wages in at least two quarters with total wages of 1.5× high-quarter . - Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct (§ 41-35-120(2)) or voluntary quit without good cause (§ 41-35-120(1)). - Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work . 4. Work Search Requirement - Must make at least 2 employer contacts per week . - Must register at SC Works Online Services within the first week. - Keep a detailed log. 5. Filing Weekly Claims - File a weekly claim online. - Earnings up to 25% of WBA are disregarded. 6. Appeals - Appeal a denial within 10 days of the mailing date — one of the shortest deadlines. - Hearings are conducted by Appeal Tribunal hearing officers. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

South Carolina unemployment is administered by the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) under S.C. Code § 41-31-10 et seq.

1. How and When to File

File online at dew.sc.gov through MyBenefits.

File the first week of unemployment.

A one-week waiting period applies.

2. Weekly Benefit Amount

Range: $42 to $326 per week (2025).

Calculated as 50% of average weekly wage in the base period, capped.

Maximum 12 to 20 weeks based on statewide unemployment rate (S.C. Code § 41-35-40) — among the shortest durations in the country.

3. Eligibility Requirements (S.C. Code § 41-35-110)

Wages of at least $4,455 in two highest quarters combined.

Wages in at least two quarters with total wages of 1.5× high-quarter.

Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct (§ 41-35-120(2)) or voluntary quit without good cause (§ 41-35-120(1)).

Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work.

4. Work Search Requirement

Must make at least 2 employer contacts per week.

Must register at SC Works Online Services within the first week.

Keep a detailed log.

5. Filing Weekly Claims

File a weekly claim online.

Earnings up to 25% of WBA are disregarded.

6. Appeals

Appeal a denial within 10 days of the mailing date — one of the shortest deadlines.

Hearings are conducted by Appeal Tribunal hearing officers.

This is legal information, not legal advice.