South Carolina Unemployment Calculator

Calculate your projected benefit by filling quarterly wages earned below:

We created this calculator to aid you evaluate what you might obtain if you are entitled. We make no promises that the sum you receive will be equal to what the calculator illustrates.

Non-Monetary Eligibility Requirements

You can collect benefits if you meet a series of legal eligibility requirements:

• Have earned qualifying wages
• Are unemployed through no fault of their own
• Are able and obtainable to work full-time and
• Are keenly looking for full-time work

In addition to having adequate earnings, you must meet other eligibility benefits to be entitled for UI benefits. Some instances of issues that may influence eligibility for UI benefits comprise:

• Reason for job separation
• Proper weekly claim filing
• School attendance
• Self employment or corporate offices
• Strike or labor disputes
• Denial of a job offer
• Alien status
• School employee
• Illness or injury
• Professional athlete

More details on UI eligibility can be found in the unemployment eligibility article.

Monetary Eligibility Requirements

For more information on unemployment eligibility, visit https://fileunemployment.org/eligibility/top-5-unemployment-eligibility-myths-debunked/ article.

How long will I receive benefits:

Usually, most states permit an individual to obtain unemployment for a maximum of 26 weeks, or half the benefit the benefit year. A few states have standardized benefit duration, while most have different durations depending upon the worker. In a state with varied duration, it is probable that the benefit year may include less than 26 payable weeks.

The calculation is normally which us smaller: 26xWBA or 1/3 BPW. WBA is the Weekly Benefit Amount, so 26xWBA would be the regular week program. 1/3 BPW refers to the Base Period Wages, so if a person did not succeed to earn more than 3 times the standard benefit amount, they will be suitable for fewer weeks of coverage.

How much weekly benefit will I receive:

You can guess your Potential Benefits Online. Your weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks of entitlement to benefits are based on the wages you were paid and amount of time you worked during your base period. The weekly benefit amount is calculated by dividing the sum of the wages earned during the highest quarter of the base period by 26, rounded down to the next lower whole dollar. The result cannot exceed the utmost weekly benefit permitted by rule.

The base period is the term used to describe the time frame used as the basis for deciding whether or not you will be monetarily eligible for unemployment.

How are Benefits Calculated:

Once you make out how the unemployment are calculated, you will have a fair idea of how much you could receive per week or per benefit period if you were to lose your job. This is significant when you think taking unemployment or searching another job.

Unemployment is computed and one half of what your weekly pay was at the time of the discharge up to your state's maximum benefit. You will have to verify with your state's unemployment office to see what the highest payout for your state is. For further details refer unemployment benefits article.

Recently Asked Questions:

What is a Base Period?
The first four quarters of the last five completed calendar quarters establishes your base period. The effective date of your claim controls your base period—not the date you become unemployed. For instance, if your claim goes into effect during January, February, or March, then your base period is the first three quarters in the last year plus the last quarter of the previous year. Even if your claim takes effect March 31, the quarter’s last day, your base period consists of the first three quarters in last year plus the previous year’s last quarter.

What is the Waiting Period in SC?
When determined eligible for benefits, you must wait one week. During this week (the waiting period)you must be completely or partially unemployed, and you must all legal eligibility requirements. You will not receive benefits during the one-week waiting period.

SC Unemployment Fraud Claims Warning
Knowingly providing false information subjects you to legal action. Fines ranging from $20 to $100 and imprisonment up to 30 days that could be your fate. Each false statement or misrepresentation of the truth is considered a separate offense. As well, if the DEW finds you guilty of fraud, you’ll be ineligible to receive benefits for anywhere from 10 to 52 weeks. Always report all gross wages earned and keep accurate records. We check and compare all wages employers report to your benefits. We can collect overpayments from your tax refund through the SC Department of Revenue. We also add a $10 fee to collection efforts.

How does severance pay affect my benefits?
Your severance pay doesn’t affect your ability to file an unemployment claim. Nor is severance pay deducted from your weekly unemployment benefits.

Can I earn money while receiving benefits?
You can, but you must report all earnings. You may earn up to 1/4 your weekly benefit with no deduction in your unemployment check. You must report earnings during the week you work not when paid.

Do I have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits?
Yes. Taxes are withheld at the 10 percent federal rate and 7 percent state rate. When you file a claim for unemployment, you can elect to withhold taxes. At year-end, you’ll receive your 1099-G tax statement as will the IRS. Be sure to give us your new address if you move. Note: The IRS created a new electronic tax center on its website, IRS.gov for people whose income has deceased and are struggling financially.

What is South Carolina's taxable wage base per person?
Effective January 1, 2011, the taxable wage base for South Carolina is $10,000. Wages earned by each employee in excess of $10,000 are not taxable. The taxable wage base increases to $12,000 in 2012 and $14,000 in 2015.

When are quarterly Contribution and Wage Reports due?
Beginning January 1, 2011 South Carolina will use a traditional base period or an alternate base period to determine if an individual monetarily qualifies for unemployment insurance benefits. Because of the addition of an alternate base period, employers are requested to file their quarterly contribution and wage reports within 15 days after the quarter ends. The shorter reporting time is expected to reduce additional contacts to the employer from SCDEW’s staff, reduce paperwork and clerical costs for the employer, and expedite the claims filing process. This is currently a request as it requires legislative approval. The legal filing date continues to be the last day of the month following the end of a quarter.