South Carolina Labor Dept 2026: Phone, Login, Wage & Unemployment
A practical guide for workers and employers searching for the South Carolina Department of Labor, including the correct agency for unemployment, MyBenefits login, employer SUITS login, wage complaints, child labor, labor posters, SC Works job search, phone numbers, office address and map.
South Carolina Department of Labor phone number, login and office help
South Carolina labor services are split mainly between two state agencies. Use SCDEW for unemployment benefits, weekly certification, claimant login, employer UI taxes and job search. Use SCLLR for wage payment, child labor, occupational safety, labor law posters and regulated professional licensing.
Unemployment benefits
Use the SCDEW MyBenefits portal to file a new claim, verify identity, certify weekly benefits, review claim status and check payments.
- Phone: 1-866-831-1724
- Relay: 711
- Portal: MyBenefits
UI tax and wage reports
Use SUITS for unemployment insurance employer registration, wage reports, tax payments, account history and employer correspondence.
- Agency main line: 803-737-2400
- Employer line: 803-737-2400, option 3
- Email: uitax@dew.sc.gov
Wages and child labor
Use SCLLR for South Carolina Payment of Wages Act questions, child labor complaints, labor law posters and workplace safety direction.
- LLR main: (803) 896-4300
- Wage line: (803) 896-7756
- Child labor: (803) 896-4840
South Carolina labor login portals: MyBenefits, SUITS, ESS and SC Works
Use the correct South Carolina labor login depending on your task. Claimants usually need MyBenefits and SC Works Online Services. Employers usually need SUITS or Employer Self Service.
| Login / portal | Who uses it? | What it is for | Direct action |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyBenefits Portal | Unemployed workers and claimants | File an initial unemployment claim, certify weekly benefits, check payment status, update claim information and manage notices. | Open MyBenefits login |
| SUITS | South Carolina employers | Register for a DEW employer account, file unemployment wage reports, submit UI tax payments and maintain employer tax account records. | Open SUITS employer portal |
| Employer Self Service / ESS | Employers responding to UI claims | Respond to benefit charges, separation requests, return-to-work questionnaires and claim-related employer notices. | Open DEW employer resources |
| SC Works Online Services / SCWOS | Jobseekers and UI claimants | Search for work, upload a resume, track work-search activity and access workforce services across South Carolina. | Open SCWOS login |
| SCLLR online services | Workers, employers and license holders | File labor-related complaints, access wage and child labor information, check licensing boards and download required posters. | Open SCLLR |
South Carolina unemployment 2026: how to file a claim with SCDEW
The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce handles unemployment insurance benefits. The main online claim system is MyBenefits. Most claimants file online, verify identity, receive a monetary determination, certify weekly and complete required job-search activity.
Create or access your MyBenefits account
Open the MyBenefits portal, register if you are a new user, or use username/password recovery if you previously filed a South Carolina UI claim.
Verify identity and prepare your work history
Have your Social Security number, contact details, authorization-to-work information if applicable, and employer history for the last 18 months ready before submitting.
File your initial unemployment claim
Enter your separation reason, employer information, wages, dates worked and availability for work. Submit only accurate information because DEW may verify details with your employer.
Read your monetary determination and notices
Your weekly benefit amount depends on covered wages in your base period. If there is a dispute, deadline or eligibility issue, respond through the portal as quickly as possible.
Certify every week and complete work searches
After filing, continue weekly certifications and complete required work-search activity in SC Works Online Services to avoid delay or denial.
South Carolina unemployment benefit amount and duration in 2026
Approximate WBA range
South Carolina unemployment weekly benefit amounts generally range from a minimum of $42 to a maximum of $350 before taxes, depending on covered wages and eligibility.
Up to 20 weeks
A regular South Carolina UI claim can provide up to 20 weeks of benefits, subject to eligibility, weekly certification and available benefit balance.
Benefits are taxable
Unemployment benefits may be taxable income. Claimants can review tax withholding options and year-end tax forms through DEW guidance and MyBenefits.
Basic monetary eligibility points for South Carolina UI
| Eligibility item | What it means | Practical user note |
|---|---|---|
| Covered employment | Your wages must come from work covered by unemployment insurance. | Independent contractors, gig workers and self-employed workers may have different rules depending on facts and classification. |
| High-quarter wages | DEW uses the base period to calculate whether you have enough wages. | Keep paystubs, W-2s and employer records available if wages appear missing. |
| Total base-period wages | South Carolina requires enough wages across the base period, not only one paycheck. | Your monetary determination explains the wage data DEW used. |
| Separation reason | You generally must be unemployed or have reduced hours through no fault of your own. | Layoff, lack of work and some reduced-hour situations are reviewed differently from quits or discharges. |
| Able, available and searching | You must be able to work, available for suitable work and complete required work searches. | Keep proof of applications, contacts, interviews and SCWOS activity. |
SC unemployment weekly certification, payment status and work search
Filing the initial claim is only the first step. To keep payments moving, claimants normally must certify each week in MyBenefits, answer eligibility questions truthfully and complete required work-search activity through SC Works Online Services.
Weekly claim checklist
- Log in to MyBenefits every week you are requesting benefits.
- Report work, wages, refusal of work, vacation pay, severance, pension or other reportable income if asked.
- Complete the required number of weekly work searches.
- Save proof of applications, employer contacts and interviews.
- Check your dashboard for pending issues, messages or identity verification steps.
Common reasons South Carolina UI payments are delayed
- Weekly certification was skipped or filed late.
- Identity verification is incomplete.
- Employer separation response is pending.
- Reported wages do not match employer records.
- Work search is missing, incomplete or not recorded correctly.
- Claimant missed a deadline to respond to a DEW notice.
SC Works job search requirement and local help
South Carolina UI claimants should use SC Works Online Services to search for work and document job-search activity. SC Works centers and connection points also provide access to workforce services, computers and reemployment support in all 46 counties.
South Carolina wage law 2026: unpaid wages, final paycheck and deductions
Wage and child labor matters are generally handled by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. South Carolina’s Payment of Wages Act focuses on written wage terms, pay statements, deductions, records and final wage payment after separation.
Notice of pay terms
Employers should inform employees of wages agreed upon, normal hours, time and place of payment, and deductions that may be made from wages.
Itemized wage statement
Employees should receive a statement showing gross wages and deductions for each pay period.
Unauthorized withholding
An employer should not withhold or divert wages unless required/permitted by law or properly disclosed under state wage rules.
Final paycheck rule in South Carolina
When an employer separates an employee from payroll for any reason, South Carolina law requires payment of all wages due within 48 hours of separation or by the next regular payday, which may not exceed 30 days.
South Carolina minimum wage in 2026
| Topic | 2026 South Carolina rule | What workers and employers should know |
|---|---|---|
| State minimum wage | South Carolina does not have a separate statewide minimum wage law. | Covered employers generally follow the federal Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage. |
| Federal minimum wage | $7.25 per hour for covered nonexempt employees. | Federal rules may also affect overtime, tipped employees, youth employment and exemptions. |
| Overtime | Usually a federal FLSA issue rather than a separate South Carolina state overtime rate. | For overtime or federal wage-hour complaints, workers may contact the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. |
| Wage payment disputes | Handled through South Carolina wage-payment rules and SCLLR resources. | Keep copies of paystubs, schedules, written pay terms, deduction notices and employer messages. |
How to prepare an unpaid wage complaint in South Carolina
Before contacting SCLLR
- Write down employer legal name, worksite address and supervisor contact.
- Collect paystubs, time records, offer letter, wage agreement and deduction notices.
- Calculate the pay period, hours, rate and amount you believe is unpaid.
- Save resignation, termination or separation documents if final pay is involved.
- Check whether the issue is state wage payment, federal minimum wage/overtime or both.
Useful wage contacts
SCLLR Wage Line: (803) 896-7756
Wage/Child Labor Fax: (803) 896-7680
Main LLR: (803) 896-4300
Mailing reference: South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Wages and Child Labor, P.O. Box 11329, Columbia, SC 29211-1329.
South Carolina employer unemployment tax, SUITS login and wage reports
Employers use the South Carolina State Unemployment Insurance Tax System, commonly called SUITS, to register for an employer account, file wage reports, pay UI taxes and manage account information.
Register for a DEW employer account
Employers that pay covered wages may need to register with DEW. After registration, the employer receives an Employer Account Number.
File quarterly wage reports
Employers report wages for UI tax purposes and should reconcile payroll data before filing to avoid notices, penalties or rate problems.
Pay unemployment insurance taxes
South Carolina UI tax is employer-paid and applies to the first $14,000 of each employee’s taxable wages for the year.
2026 employer UI tax quick table
| Employer item | South Carolina 2026 detail | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Taxable wage base | UI tax rates apply to the first $14,000 each employee earns. | DEW tax rate information / employer rate notice. |
| Rate assignment | Employer rate depends on DEW classification, experience and claim activity. | SUITS account and official DEW rate notice. |
| New employer | New or newly liable employers receive a beginning rate according to DEW rules. | Employer registration confirmation and DEW employer guidance. |
| Wage report portal | Use SUITS to file wage reports and maintain the employer account. | SUITS employer page |
| Employer help | Agency main line 803-737-2400; employer option 3; email uitax@dew.sc.gov. | DEW contact / SUITS contact page. |
South Carolina labor law posters, child labor and workplace notices
South Carolina employers should review required workplace posters through SCLLR and other applicable agencies. Posters commonly cover state workplace rules, OSHA information, payment of wages, child labor and right-to-work notices.
State required poster checklist
- LLR workplace poster.
- Labor Law Abstract covering payment of wages and child labor.
- Right-to-Work poster.
- Workers’ compensation compliance poster when applicable.
- Federal posters required by the U.S. Department of Labor, EEOC or other agencies.
Child labor basics to verify before hiring minors
- Confirm age limits, hours and prohibited occupations.
- Check stricter rules for 14- and 15-year-old employees.
- Review school-day, break, summer and hazardous-work restrictions.
- Keep records that show age and permitted work schedule.
- Contact SCLLR before assigning minors to risky equipment or late hours.
South Carolina Labor Department map, address and office locations
Use the correct office address depending on your topic. For unemployment claims and UI taxes, use SCDEW. For wage, child labor, OSHA and labor-law topics, use SCLLR.
SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Address: Synergy Business Park, Kingstree Building, 110 Centerview Dr, Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: (803) 896-4300
Office hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Best for: wage payment, child labor, workplace safety, labor posters and professional licensing boards.
SC Department of Employment and Workforce
Address: 1550 Gadsden Street, P.O. Box 995, Columbia, SC 29202
TelClaim: 1-866-831-1724 | Relay: 711
Main / employer line: 803-737-2400
Best for: unemployment claims, MyBenefits, weekly certification, employer UI taxes, SUITS and SC Works.
Documents to keep before calling South Carolina labor offices
Calling the correct number is helpful, but having the right documents ready is what usually saves time. Use this checklist before contacting DEW, SCLLR, SC Works or a federal wage office.
For unemployment claimants
- Social Security number and contact information.
- Work history for the last 18 months.
- Employer names, addresses and phone numbers.
- First and last day worked for each employer.
- Separation reason and any written layoff/termination notice.
- Banking information if choosing direct deposit.
- ID.me or identity-verification documents if requested.
For wage complaints
- Paystubs and payroll statements.
- Timecards, schedules and clock-in/clock-out records.
- Offer letter, handbook or written wage agreement.
- Messages about pay rate, deductions or pay dates.
- Termination or resignation documents if final pay is unpaid.
- Your calculation of wages owed.
For employers
- Federal EIN and South Carolina employer account details.
- Quarterly payroll records and wage reports.
- SUITS login access and confirmation numbers.
- Rate notice and benefit-charge statements.
- Employee separation records and return-to-work offers.
- Labor posters and workplace policy records.
Official South Carolina labor resources and direct links
Use these official pages for final filing, login, complaint and payment actions. This article is a guide; official portals and agency notices control deadlines, eligibility and account decisions.
South Carolina Department of Labor FAQ: phone, login, wage and unemployment
What is the South Carolina Department of Labor phone number?
For SCLLR labor, wage, child labor, OSHA and licensing topics, call the main LLR number at (803) 896-4300. For unemployment benefits, call SCDEW TelClaim at 1-866-831-1724.
Which agency handles South Carolina unemployment?
The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce handles unemployment insurance benefits, MyBenefits login, weekly certification, payment status, employer UI taxes and SC Works job-search services.
Where do I log in for South Carolina unemployment benefits?
Use the SCDEW MyBenefits portal. Claimants use it to file an unemployment claim, certify weekly benefits, check payment status, update details and read DEW notices.
What is SUITS in South Carolina?
SUITS is South Carolina’s State Unemployment Insurance Tax System. Employers use it to register an account, file wage reports, make UI tax payments and maintain unemployment tax records.
How much is unemployment in South Carolina in 2026?
South Carolina weekly unemployment benefit amounts generally range from $42 to $350 before taxes, depending on covered wages and eligibility. The official monetary determination in MyBenefits tells each claimant their exact weekly amount.
How many weeks can I receive unemployment in South Carolina?
A regular South Carolina unemployment insurance claim can provide up to 20 weeks of benefits, subject to eligibility, weekly filing, work-search activity and remaining benefit balance.
Does South Carolina have a state minimum wage in 2026?
South Carolina does not have a separate state minimum wage law. Covered employers generally follow the federal Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage of $7.25 per hour unless another rule applies.
How do I file an unpaid wage complaint in South Carolina?
For South Carolina wage-payment issues, contact SCLLR Wages and Child Labor. Before filing, collect paystubs, time records, written wage terms, deduction notices and your calculation of wages owed.
When is a final paycheck due in South Carolina?
When an employer separates an employee from payroll for any reason, wages due must be paid within 48 hours of separation or by the next regular payday, which may not exceed 30 days.
What are the South Carolina unemployment work-search requirements?
Claimants generally must complete required weekly work searches and should use SC Works Online Services to search for jobs and document activity. Missing work-search activity can delay or affect benefits.
Where is the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation located?
SCLLR is located at Synergy Business Park, Kingstree Building, 110 Centerview Dr, Columbia, South Carolina 29210. Office hours are generally 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where is the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce located?
SCDEW is located at 1550 Gadsden Street, P.O. Box 995, Columbia, South Carolina 29202. TelClaim is 1-866-831-1724 and relay service is 711.
People also search for South Carolina Department of Labor
These related search intents are covered naturally in this guide so users can find the right South Carolina labor phone number, login, wage complaint path and unemployment portal without bouncing between multiple pages.
Bing deep-dive topics covered
| Deep-dive intent | Covered answer | Best user path |
|---|---|---|
| “I searched labor department but need unemployment.” | Unemployment is handled by SCDEW, not the wage office. | Use MyBenefits or call 1-866-831-1724. |
| “I need to recover unpaid wages.” | SCLLR handles state wage-payment topics, while federal overtime/minimum wage may go to U.S. DOL. | Call SCLLR Wage Line and gather pay records. |
| “I am an employer filing wage reports.” | Use SUITS for unemployment insurance wage reports and UI tax payments. | Open SUITS and keep confirmation receipts. |
| “My UI payment is delayed.” | Common causes include missed weekly certification, identity verification, pending employer response or work-search issues. | Check MyBenefits dashboard and respond to notices. |
| “I need office directions.” | LLR and DEW have different Columbia addresses. | Use the embedded maps above for the correct agency. |