How to file in South Carolina, step by step
- Gather your documents. South Carolina asks for the items in the checklist below.
- File your claim online at dew.sc.gov or by phone (numbers and hours).
- Meet the work search rule. Two job searches a week inside SC Works Online Services (SCWOS); only searches done in that system count.
- Request benefits for each week you are unemployed, as your claim instructions say. See how weekly claims work.
- Answer any reemployment appointment. Some claimants are selected for a RESEA session at a job center.
Documents South Carolina asks for
- Social Security number
- Jobs and wages in the last 18 months: business name, address, phone, HR contact
- Immigration record and documents if not a citizen; DD-214 if military in the last 18 months
Source: dew.sc.gov. Lists can be partial; follow the instructions in your claim.
How much South Carolina pays and for how long
All statesMaximum from the U.S. DOL table effective July 2026. The state calculates your weekly amount from your past wages when you file. How long unemployment lasts
South Carolina unemployment phone
DetailsHours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; Thursday 9:00 AM–4:30 PM.
Where to log in
The official place to start a claim or reach your account is dew.sc.gov, run by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. Only enter your Social Security number or PIN on the official state site. This guide is independent and cannot see or change your claim.
If your claim is denied
Federal law requires every state to offer a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal to anyone whose unemployment claim is denied (Social Security Act, sec. 303(a)(3)). The determination letter from South Carolina tells you the deadline and how to file the appeal. How unemployment appeals work.
South Carolina job centers that help with unemployment
All 39SC Works centers have computers and staff to help you file online. Claims are not resolved in person.
Aiken Center
1571 Richland Avenue East, Aiken
Anderson Center
1428 Pearman Dairy Road, Anderson
Barnwell Center
248 Wall Street, Barnwell
Beaufort Center
164 Castle Rock Road, Beaufort
Bennettsville Center
1120 Oakwood Street, Bennettsville
Bishopville Center
Lee County Library 200 North Main Street, Bishopville
Darlington-Lee Adult Education Center
123 East College Street, Bishopville
Camden Center
1111 Broad Street, Camden
Chester Center
598 Saluda Road, Chester
Clemson Center
1376 Tiger Boulevard, Suite 102, Clemson
Laurens Center - new location as of 8/5/2026
291 Professional Park Road, Clinton
Columbia Center (Midlands)
700 Taylor Street, Columbia
South Carolina unemployment questions
How do I file for unemployment in South Carolina?
Online on the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce website or by phone at 1-866-831-1724. Have your Social Security number and your employers from the last 18 months ready.
What is the South Carolina unemployment phone number?
1-866-831-1724. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; Thursday 9:00 AM–4:30 PM.
How much is unemployment in South Carolina?
Up to $350 a week. Your own amount depends on your past wages.
How long does unemployment last in South Carolina?
Up to 20 weeks; the federal table lists a range of 13-20 weeks depending on your situation. Your weeks are set when the state reviews your claim.
Where do I log in to South Carolina unemployment?
Use the official site (dew.sc.gov) to start a claim or reach your account. We do not handle logins or claims.
What if my South Carolina unemployment claim is denied?
Federal law requires every state to give claimants whose claims are denied the chance of a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal. Your determination letter explains how and by when to appeal.
Related guides
Sources
Claim website: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Claims phone: dew.sc.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Documents: dew.sc.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Work search: dew.sc.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
In-person policy: dew.sc.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Weekly maximum: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Maximum weeks: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Right to a fair hearing: 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(3), checked October 31, 2026.