SC Unemployment 2026: $350 Max, 20 Weeks, DEW Guide

What Makes South Carolina Different

South Carolina has one of the more restrictive unemployment insurance systems in the country. Knowing the rules up front helps you avoid delays and denials:

• Short duration: Only up to 20 weeks (compared to 26 in most states). A pending proposal would cut this to 12 weeks when state unemployment is low.
• Low maximum benefit: $350/week — below the U.S. average. The average claimant receives $236/week.
• Two separate portals: You file claims in MyBenefits (DEW) and complete work-search activities in SCWOS (SC Works Online Services). They are different systems but linked.
• Mandatory waiting week: One unpaid week at the start of every claim (waived only during certain emergencies).
• 14-day deadline to certify: You must file your weekly certification within 14 days of the end of the week.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for South Carolina unemployment benefits in 2026, you must meet requirements set by the SC Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW).

Monetary Eligibility

You must have sufficient wages in your base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file):

• You must have earned wages in at least two quarters of the base period.
• You must have earned at least $1,092 in your highest-earning quarter.
• Your total base-period wages must equal at least 1.5 times your highest-quarter wages.
• Your total base-period wages must equal at least $4,455.

Non-Monetary Eligibility

• You must be unemployed through no fault of your own (laid off, lack of work, hours reduction).
• You must be physically able and available to work.
• You must actively search for work (2 job searches per week in SCWOS).
• You must register with SCWOS at scworks.org.
• You must be authorized to work in the United States.

Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)

Your weekly benefit amount in South Carolina equals approximately 50% of your average weekly wage in the highest-earning quarter of your base period. The minimum is $42 and the maximum is $350. The statewide average is $236.

South Carolina does not pay dependent allowances, so your WBA does not change based on family size.

Benefit Duration

South Carolina provides up to 20 weeks of regular unemployment benefits within a 52-week benefit year. The exact number depends on your base-period earnings — not everyone qualifies for the full 20 weeks.

The maximum benefit amount over the life of your claim equals the lesser of:

• 20 × your weekly benefit amount, or
• 1/3 of your total base-period wages.

Pending Legislation

A proposal passed by the SC House would reduce the maximum duration from 20 weeks to as low as 12 weeks when the state unemployment rate is low. As of 2026, the 20-week maximum still applies, but watch DEW announcements for updates.

Federal Pandemic Programs

Federal pandemic-era programs (PEUC, FPUC, PUA, the $300 supplement) have all expired. Current SC benefits are state-funded only.

How to Apply Step by Step

Filing for South Carolina unemployment is done online through the MyBenefits Portal at dew.sc.gov. The portal is the fastest way to apply and is available 24/7.

Before You Start: What You Need

• Social Security Number
• Driver's license or state ID
• Mailing address and county of residence
• Employment history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of employment, gross wages, reason for separation)
• Bank account info for direct deposit (or address for a debit card)
• Form DD-214 (military) or SF-8/SF-50 (federal employees) if applicable

Step-by-Step Process

1. Go to dew.sc.gov and click "Apply for UI Benefits."
2. Create your MyBenefits account with username, password, and security questions. See our detailed step-by-step new-claim guide.
3. Verify your identity through ID.me. You'll need a government photo ID and webcam or smartphone.
4. Complete the application with full 18-month employment history and reason for separation for each job.
5. Choose your payment method: direct deposit (recommended) or debit card.
6. Elect tax withholding (optional 10% federal, 7% SC state).
7. Submit and save your confirmation number.
8. Register with SCWOS at scworks.org — this is required and separate from MyBenefits.
9. Complete 2 job searches in SCWOS within your first week.
10. File your first weekly certification within 14 days of the week's end.

Weekly Certification

To continue receiving benefits, you must file a weekly certification through MyBenefits each week. You have 14 days from the end of the week to certify — miss that deadline and you forfeit benefits for that week.

What You'll Be Asked Each Week

• Were you able and available to work each day?
• Did you refuse any work or job offers?
• Did you work or earn any income (gross, before taxes)?
• Did you complete your 2 job searches in SCWOS?
• Did you receive vacation, severance, or pension pay?

How to Certify

1. First, complete your 2 SCWOS job searches — without these you cannot certify successfully.
2. Log into MyBenefits at dew.sc.gov.
3. Click "File Weekly Certification."
4. Answer all questions truthfully — false answers may be considered fraud.
5. Submit. Payment typically arrives within 2–3 business days.

Work-Search Requirements (SCWOS)

South Carolina requires you to complete 2 weekly job searches in SCWOS (SC Works Online Services) at scworks.org. These searches must be logged in SCWOS specifically — not just any external job board.

What Counts as a Work-Search Activity?

• Submitting a job application through SCWOS
• Applying for a job listed on SCWOS
• Attending a job interview (logged in SCWOS)
• Posting or updating a résumé in SCWOS
• Attending a job fair through SC Works
• Completing a workshop offered by SC Works

What to Document

SCWOS automatically logs your activities, but it's best to keep your own records as backup. Save:

• Date of activity
• Employer/organization name
• Position applied for
• Method of contact
• SCWOS confirmation number (if available)

Disqualifications and Common Denials

You may be partially or fully disqualified from receiving benefits in several situations:

Voluntary Quit Without Good Cause

Quitting voluntarily generally disqualifies you, unless you can prove "good cause attributable to the employer" — unsafe conditions, harassment, significant unilateral changes to pay or hours, or documented medical reasons.

Discharge for Misconduct

If you were fired for misconduct (theft, repeated insubordination, intentional rule violations), you may be disqualified. Performance issues, mistakes, or being unable to do the job typically do not count as misconduct.

Refusing Suitable Work

Turning down a reasonable job offer can disqualify you. "Suitable" considers your skills, experience, prior earnings, and commute distance.

Earning Above the Threshold

You can earn up to 25% of your WBA per week without reduction. Earnings above that are deducted dollar-for-dollar.

Other Common Reasons

• Receiving severance, vacation, or pension pay above threshold
• Being self-employed full-time
• Failing to register with SCWOS
• Not completing 2 SCWOS job searches per week
• Being a full-time student without DEW approval
• Missing the 14-day weekly certification deadline

Appeals Process

If your claim is denied or you disagree with a determination, you have the right to appeal. You must file your appeal within 10 days from the mailing date on your determination notice — one of the shortest windows in the U.S.

How to File an Appeal

1. Submit your appeal in writing through MyBenefits, by mail, or by fax.
2. State clearly that you disagree with the determination and provide your reasons.
3. Attach supporting evidence (emails, pay stubs, witness statements, medical records).
4. Continue filing weekly certifications while your appeal is pending — if you win, you'll be paid retroactively only for weeks you certified.

What to Expect

• An Appeal Tribunal hearing is typically scheduled within 4–6 weeks, usually by phone.
• You will receive notice with the date, time, and instructions.
• You and the employer may present evidence and witnesses.
• The Hearing Officer issues a written decision, usually within 1–2 weeks.

Official Resources

Related Guides on TheUnemployment.org

• How to File a New Claim in South Carolina (Step-by-Step)