How Much Unemployment Pays in South Carolina
How South Carolina calculates weekly unemployment benefits, the current minimum and maximum, and how many weeks you can collect.
Short answer: Your weekly benefit is generally 50% of your average weekly wage in the highest quarter of your base period. It ranges from a minimum of $42 to a maximum of $350 a week, before taxes. SC DEW, Weekly Benefit Amount page; Claimant Handbook (as of 9/3/2025)
| Weekly benefit amount | Your weekly benefit is generally 50% of your average weekly wage in the highest quarter of your base period. It ranges from a minimum of $42 to a maximum of $350 a week, before taxes. Maximum $350 per week, which DEW's handbook (as of Sept. 3, 2025) calls "currently" in effect. The exact effective date of the $350 maximum was not stated. |
|---|---|
| How many weeks | Up to 20 weeks. Your maximum benefit amount is the lesser of 20 times your weekly benefit amount or one-third of your total base-period wages. The benefit year runs one year from the effective date of your claim. |
| Waiting week | Yes. The first week of your claim is an unpaid waiting week. During that week you must be unemployed, meet the eligibility requirements and complete your work search. |
Where to get help in South Carolina
More South Carolina unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your South Carolina Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in South Carolina
- Unemployment After Being Fired in South Carolina
- Unemployment After Quitting in South Carolina
- How to File for Unemployment in South Carolina
- All South Carolina unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
How much is unemployment in South Carolina?
Your weekly benefit is generally 50% of your average weekly wage in the highest quarter of your base period. It ranges from a minimum of $42 to a maximum of $350 a week, before taxes.
How long can you get unemployment in South Carolina?
Up to 20 weeks. Your maximum benefit amount is the lesser of 20 times your weekly benefit amount or one-third of your total base-period wages. The benefit year runs one year from the effective date of your claim.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in South Carolina?
Yes. The first week of your claim is an unpaid waiting week. During that week you must be unemployed, meet the eligibility requirements and complete your work search.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.