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South Carolina Unemployment Benefits

South Carolina provides up to $350/week in unemployment benefits for 20 weeks. Benefits are calculated using 50% of average weekly wage during base period.

Why It Matters

Understanding South Carolina's unemployment benefits helps you plan financially during job transitions, know what income replacement to expect, and ensure you file correctly to receive your full entitled benefit.

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How It Works

South Carolina calculates your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) using 50% of average weekly wage during base period. Benefits range from $42 to $350 per week for up to 20 weeks. There is a 1-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin. South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) administers the program.

Example

$50,000/year worker • Equal quarterly wages • 2026

Weekly

$350

benefit amount

Duration

20 wks

fixed

Total

$7,000

max benefits

Resources

South Carolina Unemployment Benefits - Official Filing Portal

Official South Carolina unemployment insurance filing portal administered by South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW).

Source: South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW)

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for unemployment in South Carolina?

To qualify in South Carolina, you must have earned sufficient wages during your base period, been separated from work through no fault of your own, and be able and available for work. You must also meet ongoing work search requirements.

How long do unemployment benefits last in South Carolina?

South Carolina provides up to 20 weeks of unemployment benefits for eligible workers.

How much unemployment will I get in South Carolina?

South Carolina calculates your weekly benefit using the formula: 50% of average weekly wage during base period. The maximum weekly benefit is $350 and the minimum is $42.

Key Terms

Base Period
The time period used to calculate your unemployment benefits, typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
Benefit Duration
The maximum number of weeks you can collect unemployment benefits in a benefit year.
Earnings Disregard
The amount of part-time earnings you can keep without reducing your unemployment benefit.
Federal Unemployment Tax Act
The federal law imposing a payroll tax on employers to fund the unemployment insurance system.
Partial Unemployment
Working reduced hours while collecting a portion of your unemployment benefits.
State Unemployment Tax Act
State-level payroll taxes on employers that fund the state unemployment insurance trust fund.
Unemployment Insurance
A joint federal-state safety net program providing temporary income to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Waiting Period
The unpaid first week after filing an unemployment claim before benefits begin.
Weekly Benefit Amount
The dollar amount you receive each week in unemployment benefits.
Work Search Requirements
Activities you must complete each week to maintain unemployment benefit eligibility.

Last reviewed: 2027-07-01 • Applies to tax year: 2026