South Carolina Unemployment Benefit Questions

I went to work during my claim week but will not get paid for two weeks. Do I have to report earnings during the claim week and if yes, how do I report them?

YES. Earnings must be reported for any days worked during the claim week even if you have not received your pay. To figure your earnings, multiply the number of hours you worked from the day you started work until the Saturday of the claim week you are filing for by your hourly rate of pay.

If I work and earn less than my weekly benefit amount, do I have to report these earnings?

YES. All earnings must be reported regardless of the amount. However, only earnings greater than one-fourth your weekly benefit amount will be deducted from your benefit check.

How to file Interstate Benefits?

If you live outside of South Carolina and were separated from work with a South Carolina employer, you must file an out-of-state claim, commonly referred to as an Interstate claim, for unemployment benefits.

(DEW) only accepts new, additional, and reopened Interstate claims online via the MyBenefits portal.

If you need technical assistance filing your online Interstate claim, the Online Filing Assistance Line is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. This line can be reached by dialing 1.800.529.8339.

After you file an Interstate claim, you will receive a packet in the mail that contains various forms and important information. You will also receive the name and contact information for your claim representative. You are assigned a claim representative based on the last four digits of your Social Security number.

I might start drawing a pension from a former employer. Will that make a difference in my unemployment check?

It could make a difference in your check. As soon as you apply for any pension, report to your local office for assistance.

  1. I was suppose to receive a check since 8/04/20 was back pay since 03/29/20 I have not received this check yet and every time I call I get a different answer or someone tells false information who can I call that is higher up to assist me

    • They are trying to trip you up asking all those questions you have already answered. Contact a advocate and have them do the work for you in sc johnny appleseed helped me

  2. I was laid off, and I applied sept. 1, 2019, and not heard anything. It just says decision pending. My company usually doesn’t respond at all unless you falsify your reason for unemployment. This being said, will that prolong my payments?

    • I have never worked since my children were born. I’m not seeking benefits but need something from you stating I am ineligible to receive benefits. What is the best way to achieve this. I have called for 3 weeks to speak to a person and chose to leave my number so not to lose my place in line. Still no return call. Mandi Wages

      • Mandi,

        To qualify for UI benefits, the claimant is required to have active employment and earnings in the last 4-5 calendar quarters (base period).

  3. I filed a claim on 07/25/2019 and still have not received a payment as of yet. How long does it usually take?

    • I started a job in real estate sales mid April full time. I have not received any compensation and may not for another month. May I file partial unemployment insurance.

    • Michelle,

      The initial claim should not take more than 7-10 business days. Please chase the Claims Center until payments normalize.

      • Sam, I called Tuesday and got everything fixed the lady was super nice said they would not back pay me but my money should start coming in next week

        • Michelle,

          Thank you for the update. If the Claims Center confirmed, you should receive your payment on time. Please continue chasing until payments normalize.

  4. I was working from home and terminated due to company downsizing and doing away with my whole department. Am I eligible to collect unemployment and stay home to care for my spouse who is 100 dependent on me?

    • Janet,

      You can be eligible to claim UI benefits since you became unemployed involuntarily. However, you should be “able and available for work” in order to ensure continuity in payments. Please call the Unemployment Office for more.

  5. I have been employed consistently for the past 10 years but left my job for a new one. If I am fired from my new job after only one month can I file for unemployment?

    • Kelli,

      You can be eligible depending on the reason for exit. If it was due to involuntary reasons such as “Layoff”, you’ll qualify. Please contact the Unemployment Office for more.

  6. I was offered an opportunity to work a contract job for two weeks. It is more than 1/4 the unemployment check I have been receiving. If I take the small project, does that disqualify me from continuing to receive unemployment benefits?

    • Jas,

      Any form of employment/income will have an effect on UI benefits. To determine how it does, please call the Claims Center.

  7. I have been unable to find a job since I was terminated June 2017. I received unemployment from July 2017 until November 2017. I was told I could reapply in June 2018. I did but was denied benefits even though there is $6500 in benefits in my account. I filed and have been doing job searches on the SC web site. Why was I denied/ and what is double dipping?

    • Louise,

      As much as I am aware, Unemployment Benefits is a one-time affair. It’s not repetitive. Please check further on the official website of the Unemployment Office in your state.

  8. If I am fired from a job I have been working for one year and I am already drawing social security. Can I draw unemployment. I was working to supplement my social security. I can’t pay all my bills without extra income

    • Freida,

      You can be eligible for UI benefits if you were separated from the job due to involuntary reasons. The SS benefits will have an impact on unemployment benefits.

  9. I was working for a company for two months. I was let go because they could no longer accommodate my hours.Can I file a claim

    • If you lost the job due to voluntary reasons, you will not be eligible to draw UI benefits.

      Please call the Unemployment Office for further details.

  10. Can I get unemployment if I have to quit due to caring for terminally ill parent after using all of my FMLA benefits?

    • Unfortunately, personal reasons are not considered.

      You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  11. I managed to find a new job and ceased reporting for my weekly benefits. Unfortunately, the transition to my new job/apt. etc. has been far more expensive that I could have prepared for. I know I still had plenty in my balance if my unemployment continued. Is there any way I can attempt to get whatever leftover benefits I had in order to help me move forward without racking up insane credit card bills?

    • I don’t this you can stake a claim unless you become involuntarily unemployed.

      Please call the Office for further details.

  12. I am not looking to file an unemployment claim. I just have a question.
    I just moved to SC and do not and have not received and monetary benefits of any kind, but do to my mental health the free clinic I went to said I need a No Income Verification letter. Where can I obtain that letter?

  13. I work in a dental office where the doctor takes extended vacations at least 4 times a year. Can I qualify for unemployment benefits because of time lost from work without pay?

    • Not sure if you can be eligible for such situations.

      Please inquire further with the Unemployment Office in your state and apply accordingly.

  14. If I retired from he military, work for a different company, was laid off because of the job is complete would I rate benefits

  15. My spouse has taken a job in another state and I have to quit my job to move. Am I eligible while looking for a job in the new state? Thanks

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  16. If I have worked for a doctor for 7 month and got let go cause they are cutting back. Can I receive unemployment?

    • Not sure if you qualify.

      If your employer paid the relevant taxes and if you have at least an year of employment, you can be eligible.

    • Please check with the labor dept in your state.

      Studying whilst receiving UI benefits may not be ok.

  17. I received benefits from sept of 2012 through sept 2013 [52 weeks] not 57 weeks as noted by state law. I was under the impression that benefits were extended by the feds until dec of 2013. I was told to continue filing and do the job search but sill no checks.

  18. I moved from Ohio to South Carolina, have been active looking for work LPN, unable to gain employment. Am I eligible for unemployment?

  19. Can I put in a two week notice or quit my job because of driving distance and pay, and also trying to go back to school can I file for unemployment

  20. I only have 5more weeks out of the 20, am I only able to receive extended benefits because the program i because the program is ending? Thank you very much for your answer

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