South Carolina Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your South Carolina weekly unemployment benefit. South Carolina's maximum is $350/week for up to 20 weeks. Results are estimates — South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce makes the official determination.
Estimate My Weekly Benefit
This is an estimate only. Your actual benefit depends on your specific base period wages, employer records, and South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce's determination. File your claim to get the official amount.
File your South Carolina claim at SC DEW Online →South Carolina unemployment benefits: what you need to know
South Carolina limits benefit duration to 20 weeks, and the maximum weekly benefit is modest at $350. Manufacturing and automotive plant layoffs, particularly in the Upstate region, generate significant claim volumes. The state has strict work-search documentation requirements.
South Carolina pays a maximum of $350/week and a minimum of $42/week. Your amount is set by your base-period earnings, capped at the state maximum.
Up to 20 weeks under standard conditions. At the maximum rate, that is about $7,000 total.
South Carolina has a one-week unpaid waiting period. File and certify for it anyway — payment begins the following eligible week.
3 contacts per week must be documented to stay eligible. Keep a dated log.
South Carolina Unemployment FAQ
How much unemployment can I get in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the maximum weekly benefit is $350 and the minimum is $42. Your actual weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings during your base period (typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters). Use the estimator above to get an approximate figure, then confirm the exact amount with South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce after you file.
How long do unemployment benefits last in South Carolina?
South Carolina provides up to 20 weeks of regular unemployment benefits under standard conditions. Duration in this state can vary with the statewide unemployment rate — verify the current maximum when you file. If you exhaust regular benefits, ask South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce whether any extended programs are currently active.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina imposes a one-week unpaid waiting period. You still need to file and certify for that week, but it is not paid. Payments begin from the second eligible week.
How many job search contacts are required each week in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires 3 work search contacts per week to remain eligible while collecting benefits. Keep a dated log of each activity (employer name, date, method of contact) in case South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce audits your claim.
How do I file an unemployment claim in South Carolina?
File with South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce online at https://dew.sc.gov/ or by phone at 1-866-831-1724. Have your Social Security number, employer information for the last 18 months, reason for separation, and bank details for direct deposit ready. File the same week you lose your job — most states pay from the week you file, not the week your job ended.