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Unemployment Insurance

CARES Act Unemployment Insurance Update

Congress recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). That law includes several changes that may affect your eligibility for unemployment benefits. 

COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Guide

A guide to general information on unemployment insurance.

COVID-19 Support Payments Explanation

Businesses in our state who have been compelled to place their employees on furlough (i.e., a temporary period of time during which an employee performs no personal services for the employer as a result of a layoff caused by the economic impacts of COVID‐19) may also receive unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. The Governor’s Executive Order clears the way for employers – who choose to take advantage of this voluntary option – to make these COVID‐19 Support Payments without such payments affecting their employees’ eligibility for UI benefits.

COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance FAQs

Frequently asked questions for individuals and employers related to unemployment insurance.

Individual Claims

In South Carolina individuals filing a claim for unemployment can receive benefits up to 20 weeks. The average weekly benefit amount is $236. The maximum weekly benefit is $326.

Employer Claims

Employers who have a temporary shutdown, are experiencing a slow or smaller workload than normal, or have temporary/seasonal work can request permission to file claims on their workers' behalf. These are called Employer Filed Claims. In response to the interest in Employer Filed Claims due to COVID-19, there are some materials to help guide you through the process.

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