You must do things to make a claim for unemployment benefits. You must:
- Apply for benefits.
- Register for work.
- Search for work.
- File weekly claims.
DEW's website has information about each of these steps. If you do not follow these steps carefully, your benefits may be delayed or denied.
Apply for benefits
The first step to determining whether you are eligible for unemployment benefits is to apply through DEW's MyBenefits portal. You will be required to answer a series of questions and given important log-in information.
Register for work
When you apply for benefits, you will be given log-in information for SC Works Online Services.You are required to log-in and create a resume on that website.
Search for work
You are required to conduct at least two work searches each week using SC Works Online Services. If you do not conduct the required two work searches using that webiste, DEW will stop your benefits for that week.
File weekly claim
You will need to continue filing weekly claims to receive benefits. You can file weekly claims using DEW's MyBenefits portal. or DEW's TeleClaim telephone system by calling 1-866-831-1724. Filing a weekly claim involves answering questions about whether you worked, earned any income and whether you were able, available and looking for work. Claims must be filed sometime between Sunday and the following Saturday for the previous week. You will be required to report your gross (before taxes) wages earned in the previous week. You must report the wages earned, even if you have not yet been paid those wages. If you do not file your weekly claim, or if you file it late, you may not receive benefits for that week.
For cases on appeal
If you have been denied benefits and are in the process of appealing your claim, you must continue to file weekly claims and conducting the required two work searches a week. If you fail to do these things, then even if your appeal is successful, you may not receive benefits.