Unemployment Insurance

South Carolina provides a maximum of 20 weeks of unemployment benefits for covered workers who are laid off, not fired for cause.   

Most services are provided online or by telephone.  Two different SC websites provide important job seeker services as outlined below.  Both are important and you must set up accounts on each website to claim unemployment insurance and look for work.

1. SC Department of Employment & Workforce at Applying for Benefits | SC Department of Employment and Workforce is where you set up your benefits claim account and file weekly reports.  

2. SC Works Online at https://scworks.org/  is your jobs portal.  Eligibility to claim benefits requires (a) that your resume be posted at SC Works Online and (b) you must apply for a specified number of jobs each week, including some through SC Works Online even if you are using other search engines such as Indeed.  

The Greenville SC Works office in McAlister Square on South Pleasantburg Drive provides personal assistance and PC’s for filing claims, job search, resume advice, computer classes, etc. Those receiving UIC benefits will also be called in periodically for an eligibility review.  

Greenville County Library branches also provide connection points with computer access but limited assistance.  You can also Book a Librarian if you have specific questions on using technology or applying for unemployment benefits.