Understanding South Carolina Unemployment Benefits: Your Complete Guide

Losing a job brings financial uncertainty, and many workers are unsure about their options. South Carolina offers unemployment insurance to help bridge the gap, but understanding the eligibility requirements and application process is crucial. This guide covers everything you need to know about claiming South Carolina unemployment benefits.

Eligibility Requirements for SC Unemployment Insurance

Before filing a claim, ensure you meet all the criteria that South Carolina’s Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) uses to evaluate applications:

• Unemployment status: You must be out of work, though part-time employment is permitted if your earnings fall below your potential benefit amount.
• Reason for job loss: Your unemployment must result from circumstances beyond your control—including layoffs, business closures due to COVID-19, or other involuntary separations.
• Work capacity and availability: You must be physically and mentally able to work, and genuinely available to accept employment opportunities.
• Active job search: You cannot be passive about your employment prospects. Regular visits to SC Works Centers and documented job search activities are mandatory.
• Prior earnings history: The state requires a minimum earnings threshold during the preceding 12 months to qualify.

Meeting these conditions positions you favorably for approval of your South Carolina unemployment benefits claim.

How to File Your Claim

The application process is streamlined through South Carolina’s digital system. Head to the Department of Employment and Workforce’s MyBenefits portal and complete these steps:

Initial setup: Create your account (if new to the system) and navigate to the unemployment insurance section.

Required documentation: Gather your Social Security number, employment history from the past two years (including employer names, dates worked, and total compensation), and banking details for direct deposit.

Filing your claim: Submit your initial unemployment insurance application with all requested information. Importantly, you’ll need to file a weekly certification form each week—this requirement doesn’t pause during the review period.

Processing: The DEW will evaluate your eligibility and notify you of the decision.

Benefit Amounts and Payment Structure

South Carolina’s unemployment insurance uses an earnings-based calculation formula:

The standard range runs from a minimum of $42 per week to a maximum of $326 per week. The benefit structure is designed to replace approximately 50% of an average worker’s weekly wages. For example, someone earning $600 weekly before job loss would typically receive around $300 in benefits.

Important tax consideration: These unemployment payments are subject to federal income tax, so the amounts listed are pre-tax figures.

During periods of economic stimulus (as occurred in 2020), supplemental federal payments may temporarily increase your total weekly benefit significantly above the state maximum.

Duration of Benefits

Under normal circumstances, you can receive benefits for up to 20 weeks as long as you continue meeting all eligibility criteria and filing weekly. During times of elevated unemployment or recession, federal extensions can add an additional 13 weeks to this maximum period, essentially doubling your benefit collection window.

Plan your finances accordingly, as the total benefit duration provides a limited timeframe to secure new employment.

What Happens If Your Claim Gets Denied

Rejection isn’t permanent. You have 10 calendar days from the denial notice to file a formal appeal through one of these methods:

• Online via your MyBenefits account
• Fax submission
• Mail delivery

Document your reasoning clearly and gather any supporting evidence before appealing.

For comprehensive guidance throughout your application journey, the Department of Employment and Workforce’s Applicant Reference Guide provides detailed information on South Carolina unemployment benefits, policy updates, and frequently addressed issues. Regular consultation with this resource ensures you stay informed of any changes affecting your claim.