How to File for Unemployment in South Carolina
How to apply for unemployment in South Carolina, what you need, and what you must do each week to keep getting benefits.
Short answer: File online any time through the MyBenefits portal at dew.sc.gov, or get help at 1-866-831-1724 (TTY 711). Each week, file a timely weekly certification that reports all work and gross earnings and confirms your two work searches. SC DEW, Applying for Benefits; Claimant Handbook (as of 9/3/2025)
| How to apply | File online any time through the MyBenefits portal at dew.sc.gov, or get help at 1-866-831-1724 (TTY 711). Each week, file a timely weekly certification that reports all work and gross earnings and confirms your two work searches. |
|---|---|
| Earnings needed to qualify | In your base period you must have wages in at least two quarters and at least $1,092 in your highest quarter. Your total base-period wages must be at least $4,455 and at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. The standard base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. If you do not qualify that way, an alternate base period is used. Your claim must also be against a bona fide employer, meaning your most recent employer that you separated from after earning at least 8 times your weekly benefit amount there. |
| Work search requirements | Each week, Sunday through Saturday, you must complete two work searches that can be verified electronically in the SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) portal while logged into your SCWOS account. You must be able and available for work and ready to accept any suitable job. |
| Logging in and filing weekly claims | The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) MyBenefits portal is where you certify each week (Sunday through Saturday) for unemployment benefits; you must certify within 14 days after the week ends or you won't be paid for that week, and processing can take up to three business days. The portal's Dashboard tab shows detailed claim and payment status. You must also complete at least two online job searches each week through SC Works Online Services (SCWOS). DEW's general number is 1-866-831-1724 (Relay 711). MyBenefits login: https://scuihub.dew.sc.gov/CSS/CSSLogon.htm |
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 Much Unemployment Pays in South Carolina
- All South Carolina unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
How do I apply for unemployment in South Carolina?
File online any time through the MyBenefits portal at dew.sc.gov, or get help at 1-866-831-1724 (TTY 711). Each week, file a timely weekly certification that reports all work and gross earnings and confirms your two work searches.
How much do you need to have earned to get unemployment in South Carolina?
In your base period you must have wages in at least two quarters and at least $1,092 in your highest quarter. Your total base-period wages must be at least $4,455 and at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. The standard base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. If you do not qualify that way, an alternate base period is used. Your claim must also be against a bona fide employer, meaning your most recent employer that you separated from after earning at least 8 times your weekly benefit amount there.
What are the work search requirements for unemployment in South Carolina?
Each week, Sunday through Saturday, you must complete two work searches that can be verified electronically in the SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) portal while logged into your SCWOS account. You must be able and available for work and ready to accept any suitable job.
Where do I log in to my unemployment claim in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) MyBenefits portal is where you certify each week (Sunday through Saturday) for unemployment benefits; you must certify within 14 days after the week ends or you won't be paid for that week, and processing can take up to three business days. The portal's Dashboard tab shows detailed claim and payment status. You must also complete at least two online job searches each week through SC Works Online Services (SCWOS). DEW's general number is 1-866-831-1724 (Relay 711).
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.