Learn About South Carolina Unemployment Weekly Claims

Understanding South Carolina Unemployment Weekly Claims: The Basics

South Carolina's unemployment insurance system provides weekly benefit payments to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) administers this program, which has been operating since 1936. Each week, thousands of South Carolinians file claims to report their employment status and receive benefit payments if they meet program requirements.

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Weekly claims are different from initial claims. When someone first loses their job, they file an initial claim to start the process. After that, they must file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits. These weekly filings serve as proof that the person remains unemployed and meets ongoing requirements. The state processes these claims and determines payment amounts based on previous earnings history.

In 2023, South Carolina averaged around 8,000 to 12,000 weekly claims per week during normal economic conditions. However, these numbers fluctuate based on seasonal hiring patterns, economic conditions, and unexpected events. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, weekly claims surged to over 100,000 per week as businesses temporarily closed or reduced operations. Understanding how these claims work helps people navigate the system when they need it.

The weekly claims process involves reporting work search activities, income earned during the week, and confirming continued unemployment. Each state designs its own system, but South Carolina's approach focuses on efficiency and accuracy. Workers must provide truthful information about their situation to continue receiving payments. The state uses this information to prevent fraud and ensure benefits reach those who truly need them.

Practical Takeaway: Weekly claims are ongoing filings required to receive unemployment benefits each week. These differ from the initial claim filed when someone first becomes unemployed. Understanding this distinction helps people know what to expect when they enter the system.

How to File Weekly Claims in South Carolina

South Carolina offers multiple methods for filing weekly unemployment claims. The primary method is through the online portal called SCUI (South Carolina Unemployment Insurance). Workers can create an account on the DEW website and file claims from their computer or mobile device. This method is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it convenient for people with various schedules.

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To file online, workers need to visit the official Department of Employment and Workforce website and log into their account. They answer questions about their employment status for that week, including whether they worked, how much they earned, and what job search activities they completed. The system saves progress, so people can return to finish if they need more time. Most online filings take 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

For those who prefer telephone filing, South Carolina provides an automated phone system. Workers call the claims line and use their keypad to enter information about their weekly status. This method works well for people without reliable internet access or those who prefer voice-based interaction. The phone system processes claims in real-time and provides confirmation numbers.

Timing matters when filing weekly claims. South Carolina has specific claim weeks that typically run Sunday through Saturday. Claims must be filed within a certain timeframe after the claim week ends, usually by the following Wednesday. Filing late can result in delayed payments or missed benefits. The state strongly encourages filing early in the week rather than waiting until the deadline to avoid technical issues or confusion.

Workers should gather certain information before filing. They need their Social Security number, PIN or password, and details about any work performed during the claim week. If they worked, they should have information about hours worked, wages earned, and the employer's name. For job search activities, they should note the dates they applied for positions, contacted employers, or participated in employment services.

Practical Takeaway: File weekly claims online through the SCUI portal or by phone, within the designated timeframe each week. Organize information about work and job search activities before filing to complete the process accurately and quickly.

Weekly Claim Requirements and Reporting Information

When filing a weekly claim in South Carolina, workers must report specific information about their employment and work search efforts. One major requirement is reporting any work performed during the claim week. If someone earned wages, even partial weeks, they must disclose the amount. The state uses this information to adjust benefit payments accordingly. South Carolina reduces benefits by a certain percentage of earnings, so honesty about income is essential.

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Work search requirements form another critical component of weekly claims. South Carolina requires most unemployment benefit recipients to actively search for work. The state defines active job search as making a reasonable effort to find suitable employment. This typically means applying for jobs, contacting employers, registering with employment agencies, or participating in job training programs. When filing weekly claims, workers report the number of jobs they applied for and the types of positions they pursued.

The specifics of work search requirements can vary. Some workers may be exempt from active job search if they are in certain situations, such as temporary layoffs expected to last a short time or approved training programs. However, most regular unemployment benefit recipients must demonstrate ongoing job search activity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, South Carolina temporarily suspended active work search requirements, but these requirements returned to normal as the crisis ended.

Workers must also report if they refused any job offers or left work voluntarily. These situations can affect ongoing benefit eligibility. South Carolina looks at whether a refusal was for good cause, which has a specific legal definition. For example, refusing a job that requires working conditions dangerous to health may be acceptable, but refusing a job simply because the pay is low might not be. Voluntary departures from work require similar scrutiny regarding whether the person had good cause to leave.

Failure to accurately report information on weekly claims can have serious consequences. South Carolina investigates discrepancies and cases where information appears incomplete or dishonest. Overpayments must be repaid, and intentional fraud can result in penalties, loss of benefits, and potential criminal charges. The state uses data matching and verification systems to cross-check reported information against employer records and other sources.

Practical Takeaway: Report all work performed, job search activities, and any refusals or voluntary departures accurately on weekly claims. South Carolina uses this information to calculate correct benefit amounts and determine ongoing eligibility for continued payments.

Benefit Amounts and Payment Schedules

South Carolina calculates unemployment benefit amounts using a formula based on the worker's earnings during a specific reference period. The state looks at earnings from the first four of the past five calendar quarters before filing. This method means different workers receive different amounts depending on what they earned. As of 2024, the maximum weekly benefit amount in South Carolina is $405, though many workers receive less based on their earnings history.

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The calculation process works by taking the worker's average weekly wage during the reference period and paying a percentage of that amount. South Carolina pays approximately 50 percent of average weekly wages, up to the state maximum. For example, if someone averaged $600 per week in earnings, their weekly benefit might be around $300. Someone who earned less would receive a proportionally smaller amount. Self-employed workers, independent contractors, and those with irregular income may find themselves ineligible or receiving minimal benefits because their earnings don't fit the standard calculation.

Benefit duration in South Carolina varies based on the state's unemployment rate. During periods of low unemployment, the state provides up to 12 weeks of benefits. When unemployment is higher, additional weeks may become available through an extended benefits program. This program, called Emergency Unemployment Compensation during crisis periods, provides supplemental weeks when joblessness rises above certain thresholds. During the 2020 pandemic, the federal government provided additional $600 per week supplemental payments for several months, though these were temporary measures.

Payment timing follows a regular schedule. South Carolina processes approved claims and deposits payments into the claimant's designated account, typically within 5 to 7 business days after the claim week ends. Workers can set up direct deposit into a bank account for fastest payments, or they can request payment through a prepaid debit card provided by the state. Some workers still receive paper checks, though this method takes longer and is becoming less common.

The state issues payments based on approved claims. If a claim has issues or requires investigation, the payment may be delayed. Workers should keep records of when they filed claims and when they received payments. Discrepancies between filed claims and received payments should be reported to the DEW. Payment problems sometimes occur due to system issues, incorrect banking information, or claim denials under investigation.

Practical Takeaway: Weekly benefit amounts depend on previous earnings, with a state maximum of $405 per week. Payments are deposited within 5 to 7