The Official Web Site of the State of South Carolina

DEW's Labor Market Information (LMI) division is proud to announce the launch of its brand-new website: lmi.sc.gov. This site provides vital data about our state’s workforce, including statistics about the current job market, historical records, and a myriad of resources about our state’s employment, unemployment, industries, and occupations. Explore the official source of LMI in South Carolina by visiting www.lmi.sc.gov.

Claimant Handbook

For your convenience, we've compiled a detailed handbook to help answer all your commonly asked questions concerning Unemployment Insurance. Click on the image below to access the Claimant Handbook or scroll down to see the Table of Contents for links to specific topics within the handbook. 

Claimant handbook

Table of Contents

About this Handbook

Overview of Unemployment Insurance (UI)

About the UI Program
We are Here to Help You
What We Need to Provide the Best Customer Service

The UI Application Process

Eligibility for UI Benefits

Qualifying for UI Benefits
Benefit Year
Why are You No Longer Working for Your Past Employer?
Are You Able and Available to Work?
Initial Determination

Amount of UI Benefits

Waiting Week
Base Period

Benefit Amount Clarified

Monetary Determination
Weekly Benefit Amount

Deductions

What is Deductible from my Benefits?

Maintaining Your UI Eligibility

Important Reminders and Tips of Your
Responsibilities as a Claimant

Reporting Earnings

When to Report Earnings
What Earnings to Report
How to Calculate Gross Earnings

Getting You Back to Work

Did You Find a New Job and
Now Need to Stop Receiving UI?

UI Fraud

Claimant Fraud
Identity Theft and Impostor Claims

Appeal Rights

Do I Really Need to Participate in the Hearing?
Do I Need Evidence or Witnesses?
How to Submit an Appeal

Overpayments

Overpayment Notification
Repaying an Overpayment
Payment Plans for Overpayments
Failing to Repay an Overpayment

Appendix A - Legal Disclosures

Equal Opportunity Information
What to Do if You Experience Discrimination
Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities
Your Privacy Matters to Us
Income & Eligibility Verification Notice

Appendix B - Glossary

Appendix C - Claimant Checklist

Appendix D - Appeal Hearings Frequently Asked Questions

Appendix E - SC Works