SC Unemployment Claims Jump 30,000 in 1 Week as Coronavirus Impact Sidelines Workers
Staff Report From South Carolina CEO
Friday, March 27th, 2020
Intrastate Initial Claims: (within the state) In the week ending March 21, 2020, the advance figures for South Carolina intrastate initial claims* was 31,054, an increase of approximately 1600% from the previous week’s count of 1,996. This means that there were 31,054 individuals who both live and work in the state of South Carolina who filed an initial claim during that week. This is the data you will see reflected in the county information below.
Interstate Initial Claims: In the week ending March 21, 2020, the advance figures for South Carolina interstate initial claims was 772, an increase of approximately 800% from the previous week’s count of 97. This means that there were 772 individuals who live in South Carolina, but filed for unemployment insurance against another state.
Important Information to Know About the Unemployment Insurance Process
1. The unemployment insurance claims process is 100 percent online. You do not have to visit an SC Works center to file for benefits. There is no “in-person” process.
2. Most of the questions our agency is receiving through our call center can be found on our website dew.sc.gov and our YouTube page SC DEW. Check the site in order to avoid the wait!
3. There are many exceptions to the unemployment insurance process due to federal and state assistance. We are updating our dew.sc.gov/covid-hub daily to explain these. Check back often. You can also follow our social media.