Key Takeaways
- South Carolina's maximum weekly unemployment benefit is $326 in 2026 — and benefits last only 20 weeks, one of the shortest durations in the country (most states offer 26 weeks).
- The combination of a low maximum benefit and short duration means South Carolina has one of the least generous UI systems in the US — total maximum payout is about $6,520 versus $16,900+ in states like Massachusetts.
- South Carolina does NOT tax unemployment benefits at the state level — a small but meaningful offset for low-income UI recipients.
- South Carolina has NOT expanded Medicaid under the ACA, leaving a significant coverage gap for adults who earn too little for ACA marketplace subsidies but too much for traditional SC Medicaid. Healthcare.gov can help explore coverage options.
- Beyond UI, unemployed South Carolinians may access SC SNAP, CHIP (South Carolina Healthy Connections Kids), LIHEAP, and career services through SC Works centers.
South Carolina’s unemployment insurance program — managed by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) — provides up to $326 per week in 2026 for a maximum of 20 weeks. This short duration and low cap put South Carolina near the bottom nationally for UI generosity. Workers facing job loss in South Carolina should act quickly to apply and plan ahead for the limited benefit window. See how South Carolina compares at SavingToInvest’s national unemployment benefits guide.
2026 Benefit Amounts and Duration
South Carolina’s maximum weekly benefit is $326 for 2026. The minimum is $42. Benefits last up to 20 weeks — one of only a handful of states that cap benefits at fewer than 26 weeks.
Your Weekly Benefit Amount is calculated at approximately 1/26th of your wages in your highest base period quarter, subject to the state cap. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before filing.
The 20-week cap means total maximum benefits are approximately $6,520 — plan your job search and budget accordingly.
Who Qualifies
To receive South Carolina UI benefits, you must:
- Have earned wages in at least two quarters of the base period
- Have wages in your highest quarter of at least $1,092
- Have total base period wages of at least $4,455 (roughly 4× the high-quarter minimum)
- Have lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, plant closure)
- Be physically able and available to work, and actively seeking new employment
South Carolina requires claimants to make three work-search contacts per week and register at SCworks.org. Certify weekly through the DEW online portal.
Workers fired for misconduct or who quit without good cause are generally ineligible. South Carolina recognizes domestic violence, medical situations, and major employer-imposed changes as potential good cause.
Partial Unemployment for Part-Time Workers and Reduced Hours
South Carolina uses an earnings disregard equal to 25% of WBA: wages up to 25% of your weekly benefit are ignored before benefits start to reduce. Wages above that threshold are deducted dollar-for-dollar.
At the maximum benefit of $326, you can earn up to $81.50 per week without any reduction. Earn $150: benefit reduced by $68.50, giving you $257.50 for that week.
Given the low maximum and short duration, South Carolina workers should be especially proactive about partial UI — earning modest part-time income while maintaining UI eligibility extends the benefit window.
Tax Implications of South Carolina Unemployment Benefits
South Carolina does not tax unemployment benefits at the state level — SC exempts UI from state income taxation. This is one of the few positive aspects of South Carolina’s UI system for recipients.
At the federal level, UI is taxable as ordinary income regardless of state. You’ll receive Form 1099-G from DEW each January. You can elect 10% federal withholding from your weekly payments through the DEW online portal.
How to File
File your claim at dew.sc.gov or call 866-831-1724. You’ll need your Social Security number, work history for the past 18 months, and bank account details for direct deposit.
There is a one-week waiting period before benefits start. Certify weekly through the DEW portal. Report wages and three job-search contacts per week.
If denied, you have 10 days from the mailing date to appeal to the DEW Appellate Panel.
Other Benefits Available to Unemployed South Carolina Workers
South Carolina Medicaid (Healthy Connections): South Carolina has NOT expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Traditional SC Medicaid (Healthy Connections) covers pregnant women, children, and very low-income parents — but childless adults and many non-custodial parents are not eligible regardless of income. Adults earning 100%–400% of the federal poverty level can purchase subsidized marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov — with UI income, many workers will qualify for significant premium tax credits.
Healthy Connections Kids (CHIP): South Carolina’s CHIP program covers children in households earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level. This is available regardless of Medicaid expansion. Apply through South Carolina DHHS (scdhhs.gov).
SNAP (Food Assistance): South Carolina’s SNAP program provides monthly food benefits via EBT card. Income limits are at 130% of the federal poverty level. Apply at dss.sc.gov or your local DSS office.
LIHEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance): South Carolina administers LIHEAP through the DSS. The LIHEA program helps with heating and cooling costs. Apply through your local Community Action Agency or DSS office.
SC Works Career Centers: SC Works centers offer free job search assistance, resume help, labor market information, and access to WIOA training grants. Given the short 20-week UI window in South Carolina, connecting with SC Works early in your claim is especially important.
What to Watch in 2026
South Carolina has had ongoing political debate about both Medicaid expansion and UI benefit levels — neither has changed significantly in recent years, but advocacy groups continue pushing for reform. Workers with 20 weeks of benefits should connect with SC Works early for training assistance. Monitor dew.sc.gov for any legislative changes.
For current rates, claim status, and program information, go to dew.sc.gov or call 866-831-1724. For health coverage options, visit Healthcare.gov.