2026 · South Carolina
South Carolina unemployment benefits
South Carolina pays up to $350 a week for up to 20 weeks, a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#43 of 51). Estimate yours below.
South Carolina's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $42 - $350 |
| Maximum duration | 20 weeks |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | high quarter |
| Taxed by South Carolina? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in South Carolina
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $350 a week that hits South Carolina's maximum. Over 20 weeks that's up to $7,000 in total. South Carolina has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
South Carolina against its neighbors
Across the border in Georgia, the weekly cap is $365, $15 a week more than South Carolina's $350. That gap doesn't mean you can shop for a better rate: benefits come from the state where your wages were reported, not where you live now.
Worked in a bordering state? Its rules apply instead: Georgia , North Carolina .
Questions about South Carolina unemployment
How much does South Carolina pay in unemployment?
Between $42 and $350 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (high quarter). The $350 maximum is a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#43 of 51).
How long does South Carolina unemployment last?
Up to 20 weeks. At the $350 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $7,000. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, South Carolina sizes the check off high quarter but counts weeks on its own rules, so low earners may qualify for fewer weeks, and two people with the same weekly benefit can exhaust at different times.
Is South Carolina unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). South Carolina also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my South Carolina unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. South Carolina's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with South Carolina DEW before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with South Carolina DEW before you file rather than after, a difference of one week in when the claim starts can change whether a severance payment offsets the benefit. The tax side of the severance itself is on the South Carolina severance page.
File with South Carolina DEW. This is an estimate, South Carolina DEW determines your actual benefit.
Your South Carolina layoff toolkit
- South Carolina severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- South Carolina paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- South Carolina 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, South Carolina's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.