StateTally

South Carolina Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026)

South Carolina’s Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) sets the weekly unemployment benefit at 50% of the claimant’s highest‑earning base‑period quarter wages, but never below $42 or above the $350 cap—the first increase since 2008.

Reviewed 2026-09-11 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice. Figures pending final verification against the current statute/schedule. · Ver esta página en español

The 3-month calendar quarter of your base period in which you earned the most, before taxes.
The law behind this calculator: South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce — weekly benefit amount — S.C. Code §§ 41-35-40, 41-35-50; SC DEW weekly benefit amount.

How South Carolina calculates it

  • Identify the wages earned in your highest‑earning base‑period quarter.
  • Divide that quarter’s wages by 26 to calculate the weekly benefit amount.
  • If the result is below $42, the weekly benefit is $42; if it exceeds $350, the weekly benefit is capped at $350.
  • The benefit can be paid for up to 20 weeks.
  • The total benefit payable is the lesser of 20 × weekly benefit or one‑third of your total base‑period wages.

Worked example

In the worked example, a claimant with highest quarter wages of $7,500 divides that amount by 26 to get $288. Because $288 falls between the $42 minimum and the $350 cap, the weekly benefit is $288. The benefit can be paid for up to 20 weeks, which would total $5,760 if the claimant receives the full 20 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

How much can I receive per week in South Carolina unemployment?

The weekly benefit is 50% of your highest‑quarter wages divided by 26, and it must fall between a $42 minimum and a $350 maximum.

How many weeks of benefits are available in South Carolina?

Benefits can be paid for up to 20 weeks, but the total amount cannot exceed one‑third of your base‑period wages, so lower earners may receive fewer weeks.

Does South Carolina provide a dependent allowance with unemployment benefits?

No. South Carolina does not add a dependent allowance to unemployment benefits.

When did South Carolina raise its unemployment benefit cap?

The weekly cap increased to $350 in early 2025, up from $326, marking the first raise since 2008.

What happened to the bill that would adjust benefit duration based on the unemployment rate?

House Bill 3477 proposed sliding the duration between 12 and 20 weeks according to the unemployment rate, but it failed to clear the Senate.

Is the calculation different in Charleston, Columbia or Greenville?

No. Benefits are set by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce under one statewide formula, so a claim filed from Charleston, Columbia, Greenville is computed exactly like one from anywhere else in South Carolina. Only your wages — not your city or county — change the result.

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Unemployment by city in South Carolina

South Carolina applies one rule statewide, so the numbers do not change by city. These pages name the county court that actually hears the case and run the same verified formula.

Charleston · Columbia · North Charleston · Mount Pleasant · Rock Hill · Greenville · Summerville · Goose Creek · Greer · Sumter · Florence · Myrtle Beach · Spartanburg · Hilton Head Island · Fort Mill · every city we cover

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StateTally. (2026). South Carolina Unemployment Calculator 2026: up to $350/week. Retrieved September 17, 2026, from https://statetally.com/unemployment/south-carolina/