South Carolina Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

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Looking for tips to access the South Carolina Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with South Carolina Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the South Carolina Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

Who’s in charge of South Carolina Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce is in charge of administering the state’s unemployment insurance program. 

Below is what its official website looks like.

Image: Official South Carolina Unemployment Website

How To Qualify for South Carolina Unemployment Benefits

In most circumstances, the following must be true to fulfill qualifying requirements:

  • You must be jobless or working part-time.
  • If you work, you must make less money than the weekly assistance amount.
  • You must be willing, able, and available to accept a suitable job.
  • Each week, you must confirm your eligibility for benefits, as well as conduct two job searches, which must be recorded into the SC Works online portal for each week the claimant wishes to receive benefits.

How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in South Carolina? 

  • Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
  • Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
  • Duration of Benefits: 13-20 weeks
  • Weekly Payment: Min $42 to Max $326
  • Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $6,520

How Do I Apply for South Carolina Unemployment Benefits?

All claimants are strongly encouraged to create an online account and file their initial unemployment benefits claim online, according to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. If you don’t have access to the Internet or if filing a claim online isn’t possible for other reasons, you can still file a claim in person at a South Carolina Works center or connection point.

You can opt to have your weekly UI benefits sent by direct deposit or put onto a Bank of America prepaid debit card once you’ve been authorized for benefits.

How do I Manage My South Carolina Unemployment Benefits

You must submit a weekly certification to demonstrate that you are still eligible for UI benefits for as long as you are receiving benefits. For the account you created when making your original claim, you can use the same login and password. You must keep track of your job search activities, which must include at least two job searches every week.

If you made any money during that week, you must disclose it. Other questions concerning your weekly activities and qualifications may be asked of you as well.

How Do I Appeal a South Carolina Unemployment Decision?

You can discover how to submit an appeal in South Carolina if you disagree with the decision about your claim. Make sure you read the letter that details your decision carefully. 

It will also walk you through the processes necessary to start the appeal process. You may be requested to attend a hearing once your appeal is received, during which you can answer questions about your claim.

If you disagree with an appealing ruling, you must submit a new appeal with the Appellate Panel. This sort of appeal must be submitted within 10 days of your appellate decision’s mailing date.

How Do I Report a South Carolina Unemployment Fraud?

The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce encourages all receivers of unemployment benefits to remain vigilant against fraud and misuse. Participants are strongly urged to report any suspected cases of fraud, including employer fraud, claimant fraud, and even identity theft, using the state’s online reporting form.

You may also call the fraud hotline at 800-868-1488 for assistance. All tips are taken seriously and properly researched. When writing your report, attempt to include as much information as possible. This assists the state in ensuring that public resources are used wisely and that UI benefits are delivered to those who need them the most.

What if I quit?

In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes good reason, and you can make your case for getting benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because regulations and conditions differ from state to state.


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South Carolina Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

South Carolina Unemployment  OfficeSouth Carolina Unemployment Office LocationsSouth Carolina Unemployment Phone Number
Unemployment Office – Abbeville903 West Greenwood St.Abbeville, SC 29620864-366-6690
Aiken Unemployment Office1571 Richland Avenue EastAiken, SC 29802-3097803-641-1065
Allendale Unemployment Office398 Barnwell HighwayAllendale, SC 29810803-584-3263
Unemployment Office Anderson511 Michelin BlvdAnderson, SC 29625864-260-6780
Barnwell Center248 Wall StreetBarnwell, SC 29812803-450-1023
Unemployment Office Beaufort 164 Castle Rock RoadBeaufort, SC 29906843-524-3351
Unemployment Office – Bennettsville460 Highway 9 WestPO Box 247Bennettsville, SC 29512843-456-7610
Bishopville Center200 N. Main StreetBishopville, SC 29010803-774-1402
Darlington Lee Adult Ed123 E. College StreetBishopville, SC 29010803-484-4200
Unemployment Office Camden Center1111 Broad StreetCamden, SC 29020803-432-5153
Unemployment Office – Cheraw 318 Front StreetPO Box 877Cheraw, SC 29520843-320-9760
Unemployment Office – Chester525 College PlaceChester, SC 29706803-313-7386
Chesterfield Adult Education116 Edwards RoadChesterfield, SC 29709843-731-3971
Unemployment Office Clemson Center1376 Tiger Blvd Suite 102Clemson, SC 29631864-643-0071
Unemployment Office Columbia700 Taylor StColumbia, SC 29201803-737-5627
Unemployment Office Coastal Center Conway200-A Victory LaneConway, SC 29526843-234-9675
Bamberg Unemployment Office19 Maple AvenueDenmark, SC 29042803-956-6030
Unemployment Office Dillon2204 Hwy 301 SouthDillon, SC 29536843-774-1420
Unemployment Office Easley1776 Powdersville RoadEasley, SC 29642864-220-8990
Unemployment Office – Edgefield21 Star RoadEdgefield, SC 29824803-637-4029
Unemployment Office Florence Center1558 West Evans StreetFlorence, SC 29501843-407-9679
Upstate – Cherokee Center111-C Tiffany ParkGaffney, SC 29341864-902-1151
Unemployment Office – Georgetown1105 Church StreetGeorgetown, SC 29440843-546-8581
Unemployment Office McAlister Square225 South Pleasantburg DriveSuite E-1Greenville, SC 29607864-467-8080
Greenwood Unemployment Office927 E Cambridge AveGreenwood, SC 29646864-229-8872
Unemployment Office Greer202 Victoria Street GreerGreer, SC 29651864-334-3512
Unemployment Office Hampton303 First St EastHampton, SC 29924843-226-9254
Unemployment Office Hartsville437 West Carolina AvenuePO Drawer 1170Hartsville, SC 29550843-309-9817
Unemployment Office Kingstree530 Martin Luther King Jr AvenuePO Box 727Kingstree, SC 29556843-354-7436
Unemployment Office  – Lancaster705 North White StreetPO Box 1779Lancaster, SC 29720803-313-7386
Unemployment Office – Laurens1029 West Main StLaurens, SC 29360864-681-1605
Manning Center215 N. Brooks StreetManning, SC 29102803-435-8633
Unemployment Office Marion2413 East Highway 76Marion, SC 29571843-765-3123
Unemployment Office – McCormick109 West Augusta StreetMcCormick, SC 29835864-852-3649
Unemployment Office Berkeley305 Heatley StreetMoncks Corner, SC 29461843-761-4400
Unemployment Office – Newberry County1840 Wilson Rd. PO Box 1011Newberry, SC 29108803-276-2110
Unemployment Office Charleston1930 Hanahan Road Suite 200North Charleston, SC 29406843-574-1800
Unemployment Office Orangeburg Center1804 Joe Jeffords HwyOrangeburg, SC 29116803-534-3336
Unemployment Office Rock Hill Center454 South Anderson RoadSuite 202Rock Hill, SC 29730803-328-3881
Unemployment Office – Saluda407 West Butler AvenueSaluda, SC 29138864-445-2047
Unemployment Office Seneca104 Vocational DriveSeneca, SC 29672864-646-1741
Unemployment Office Winnsboro Center96 US Hwy 321 Bypass SouthSouth Winnsboro, SC 29180803-635-2812
Unemployment Office Spartanburg220 E. Kennedy StreetPO Box 1250Spartanburg, SC 29306864-764-1966
Calhoun Center101 Courthouse DriveSt. Matthews, SC 29135803-874-2443
Unemployment Office Dorchester1325-A Boone Hill RoadSummerville, SC 29483843-821-0695
Unemployment Office – Sumter 31 E Calhoun StreetSumter, SC 29150803-774-1300
Unemployment Office Upstate Union300 E South ST, UnionPO Box 663Union, SC 29379864-427-7140
Colleton Career Skills Center1085 Thunderbolt DriveWalterboro, SC 29488843-538-1613
Lexington Unemployment Office671 Main StreetWest Columbia, SC 29170803-359-6131

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

  • Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
  • Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
  • Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself. 
    • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
    • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
    • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
    • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
  • Review your financial positions, obligations. 
  • Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
  • Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
  • Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.

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Editor
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

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