South Carolina Unemployment Benefits

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.

Yes, but your benefits will be reduced. South Carolina's rule: 25% of WBA disregard; earnings above reduce dollar-for-dollar. You must report all earnings weekly, including contract/freelance income.

Yes, you can do contract or part-time work while collecting unemployment in South Carolina, but your earnings will reduce your weekly benefit. South Carolina's partial earnings rule: 25% of WBA disregard; earnings above reduce dollar-for-dollar. You must report all earnings for the week you performed the work (not when you received payment). If your earnings exceed your weekly benefit amount, you won't receive benefits for that week but your claim remains active. Important: independent contractor income counts as earnings and must be reported weekly.

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

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.