CHARLESTON, S.C. - The COVID-19 pandemic has continued for more than a year now and it still has a high level of impact on the economies of the United States and South Carolina. According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, unemployment rates hit an historic high of 14.8% in 2020, the highest rate since this type of data was first collected in 1948.
According to the Wall Street Journal and others, our economy has seen gains, since additional benefits were provided by Congress through the CARES Act, passed under the Trump administration, and the American Rescue Plan, under the Biden Administration. As the recovery continues, the CCPL Workforce Development Team wanted to share with you again the unemployment benefits available in South Carolina.
"We continue to be encouraged by the progress being made in the state’s economic recovery as more South Carolinians head back to work,” said Dan Ellzey, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.
On April 18, 2021, SCDEW reinstated the two weekly work search requirements for claimants. Each week, claimants will need to complete two tasks to remain eligible for UI benefits:
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Complete two work searches in their SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) account or the SCWOS app.
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Certify their claim in the MyBenefits portal or on the SC DEW app.
If a claimant can certify their claim each week, they can complete the work searches in SCWOS. The technology requirements are the same and both can be accessed on a computer or through the free smartphone apps,” Ellzey said.
Unemployment resources to complete your claims:
- General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: Start at the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, when seeking to file an unemployment claim.
- To file a UI claim online: Visit the applying-benefits web page to file a claim.
- To file a claim by telephone number: Call toll-free: 800-529-8339.
- SC DEW YouTube Video: Click link for How to register for SC Works Online Service (SCWOS).
- PDF Tutorial: How To Complete The Work Search: Click here for document.
- Find a job and work search resource page can be visited here.
- Coronavirus update: Click here For the latest COVlD-19 related UI changes in South Carolina.
If you would like more information about how to apply for jobs online, assistance in finding resources, tips on how to get the job-hunting process started or more, please reach out to us at CCPL by email, chat, or text. Remember, you are not alone.