What is the maximum unemployment benefit in South Carolina?

$350 a week as of July 1, 2026; the minimum is $42.

How many weeks of unemployment can you get in South Carolina?

Up to 20 weeks (13-20 weeks depending on base-period wages).

Does South Carolina have a waiting week for unemployment?

Yes. The first eligible week is an unpaid waiting week.

How do I file for unemployment in South Carolina?

File an initial claim with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce at https://dew.sc.gov/individuals/applying-benefits.

South Carolina unemployment benefits

In South Carolina, unemployment benefits last up to 20 weeks and pay up to $350 a week (as of July 1, 2026). There is an unpaid waiting week, and you file with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.

By Justin KullaLast updated October 6, 2026

Last verified October 6, 2026 against official sources.

File a claim with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce →

South Carolina benefits at a glance

South Carolina unemployment insurance facts, with sources
Maximum weekly benefit	$350source, July 1, 2026
Minimum weekly benefit	$42source, July 1, 2026
Maximum weeks of benefits	20 weeks (13-20 weeks depending on base-period wages)source, July 1, 2026
Weeks depend on the state unemployment rate	Nosource, July 1, 2026
Unpaid waiting week	Yessource, October 6, 2026
Severance pay	South Carolina DEW's claimant handbook (as of 9/3/2025) says the agency may contact you for details to determine whether your separation pay is deductible.source, October 6, 2026
Pay in lieu of notice	Check with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
Work-search requirement	Claimants must complete at least 2 work search activities per week. Limitations or specific requirements apply. Registering with employment services, using reemployment services, attending a job-seeking workshop, or taking part in job search activities may count. South Carolina requires 2 contacts through the state system.source, January 1, 2023
Extended benefits	Not available nowsource, October 4, 2026
How to file	the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce source, October 6, 2026

Weekly amounts exclude dependents’ allowances. Severance, pay in lieu of notice and work-search entries dated January 1, 2023 come from the Department of Labor’s latest Comparison of State UI Laws, which reflects state law on that date; confirm them with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.

Severance and unemployment in South Carolina

Severance pay: South Carolina DEW's claimant handbook (as of 9/3/2025) says the agency may contact you for details to determine whether your separation pay is deductible.

Pay in lieu of notice (including WARN Act pay): Check with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.

File as soon as you are out of work even if you received severance. The agency decides how payments affect your claim, and most states pay only from the week you file.

Local workforce boards in South Carolina

Public workforce boards run American Job Centers, which offer free help with job search, training and benefits.

If you’re a laid-off professional

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Significant Provisions of State Unemployment Insurance Laws and Comparison of State Unemployment Insurance Laws, the DOL Extended Benefits trigger notice, and the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. Where official sources disagree or a figure could not be confirmed, this page says to check with the agency rather than estimate. Rules change; the agency’s decision on your claim is what counts. See our editorial standards.