Learn how to deal with interstate unemployment claim issues.
Unemployed workers that claim for unemployment from another state have to deal with the added inconvenience of not being able to visit a local unemployment office. This can be very frustrating when you are trying to talk to an agent and you are understandably worried about your checks coming through.
So what should you do if you checks are taking more than you expected to arrive? What about if you haven’t claimed for unemployment in a couple of weeks? Or what if you haven’t got access to your online worksearch log and you don’t know what to do? This article seeks to answer these and other questions.
How long will I have to wait?
It depends on the reason your employer gives when processing your dismissal. According to South Carolina Department of Employment guidelines you can expect four to six weeks to process a Quit, Discharge, or Still Working Claim. Discharge occurs when your employer sacks you because of some issue with your conduct. Still working claim occurs when your work hours have been reduced and you need unemployment benefits to complement your wage. A dismissal is a quit when the employee leaves on his own will. Although there are exceptions, if you quit or get discharged for a serious offense you may not qualify for unemployment benefits. For a more in depth analysis of the consequences of the reasons your employer provides for termination of employment see this article.
However, if your reason for termination was lack of work, claims cant take as little as two to three weeks to process. If you have a good relationship with your employer you may want to ask or negotiate for the reason of termination to be lack of work as this could accelerate your application.
I haven’t filed for over two weeks.
If you haven’t filed your claim for two weeks, the system locks you out and you must start all over again. You must register again over the phone by calling 1.800.529.8339 or click here to file online.
I need to talk to a real person to get answers.
If you want to talk to an agent about a problem with your claims you should call 1.866.397.2752 or email RemoteInterstate@dew.sc.gov.
The system does not recognize my security number.
If you registered online your application may still have not completed its processing cycle. It can take up to three business days for a claim to process. However, if more than three days have gone by call the numbers provided above to ask about the status of your application.
Learn more about interstate claim in our article South Carolina Employment Department: Interstate Claims.
Provided you meet certain legal requirements, you may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. (You will receive a definite answer when you file a claim.)
Qualifying Criteria
- You lost your job through no fault of your own.
- You worked for an employer(s) who paid taxes in your name.
- You earned specified minimum wages during the 12-month period prior to the quarter you lost work. (Local Workforce Centers provide details.)
Note: Unemployment insurance benefits depend on your base period. Once eligible and you file your initial claim, you’ll receive a notice with your wages from all covered employers during your base period. If your wages qualify you for benefits, you’ve established a benefit year. Missing wages? Report to your local office with missing wage documentation.
Employers fund unemployment insurance entirely. It is not welfare nor are funds withheld from your pay for these benefits.
How much and how long can I draw?
If eligible, you can draw up to a maximum of $326.00 per week in South Carolina for 26 weeks. See Extended Benefits.
When can I expect a payment?
In about six weeks. We do not pay benefits in advance.
My former employer is paying me severance. Must that end before I file a claim?
No. Severance pay doesn’t affect your ability to file an unemployment claim nor is it deducted from your weekly benefits.
Can I make money while drawing benefits?
Yes but you must report all earnings or risk being prosecuted. You may earn up to 1/4 your weekly benefit with no unemployment check deduction. Report earnings during the week you work—not when paid.
Can I draw benefits while serving jury duty?
Yes but we will deduct jury duty payments from your weekly benefits. Report jury duty fees as earnings. Even when serving jury duty, search for work as required.
Do I pay taxes on unemployment benefits?
Yes. Taxes are withheld at the 10 percent federal rate and 7 percent state rate. When you file an unemployment claim, you can elect to withhold taxes. At year-end, you and the IRS will receive your 1099-G tax statement. Give us your new address if you move. Note: The IRS created a new electronic tax center, www.IRS.gov for struggling people whose income has decreased.
Can my benefits be cut off?
Yes. When you draw benefits, the law demands you be able, available, and actively seeking full-time work. Suppose you took a trip or were hospitalized (physically unable). You wouldn’t be eligible to draw during that time. Not seeking work can also disqualify you. Disqualification
Do I have to take a job offer?
Yes, but the job must be comparable to your former job. (A computer programmer, for example, can’t be forced to work as a carpenter.)
Can I appeal decisions affecting my benefits?
You and your employer can appeal any decision. Contact your local Workforce Center to know your rights. You have the right to appeal decisions affecting your benefit rights. Details
Can I quit my job and draw benefits?
No. Quitting voluntarily without a good work-related reason disqualifies you. Disqualification
I have a job and am working again. How do I end benefits?
Congratulations on rejoining the workforce. If you are now earning more than your weekly benefit amount you must end benefits. Ending benefits is easy. Simply stop making your weekly call or online filing for benefits. Note: It is illegal to claim benefits while employed.
Interstate Frequently Asked Questions
I need to file a claim for unemployment and I live out of state.
To file an Interstate claim for unemployment call 1.800.529.8339 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1.800.529.8339 end_of_the_skype_highlighting between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM or file online between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Note: if you file by telephone you may experience longer wait times on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday due to higher call volumes.
I moved from SC to another state. How do I change my address?
Call 1.800.529.8339 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1.800.529.8339 end_of_the_skype_highlighting to transfer your claim to the Interstate Unit or file online between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Complete the application as if filing for the first time but include your new contact information. Send your claim to the Interstate Office when told to select a local office. Note: if you file by telephone you may experience longer wait times on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday due to higher call volumes.
My benefits are exhausted. Can I apply for an extension?
Call 1.866.397.2752 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1.866.397.2752 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or 1.800.529.8339 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1.800.529.8339 end_of_the_skype_highlighting to apply by phone provided your claim balance is $0.
I filed my claim and have a question about my claim.
If you have questions about your claim, call 1.866.397.2752 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1.866.397.2752 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or e-mail remoteinterstate@dew.sc.gov. Note: if you file by telephone you may experience longer wait times on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday due to higher call volumes.
How long will it take for me to get my check?
It takes four to six weeks to process a Quit, Discharge, or Still Working Claim. Lack of work claims take two to three weeks to resolve.
How do I get a worksearch log?
Go to dew.sc.gov and click on the blue Claimants tab. Click on Forms under Benefits Information. Then click on Interstate Claimant Work Search Form. Fax the completed Work Search Form to the Remote Interstate Fax number 803.737.0539.
I haven’t filed in at least two weeks. What should I do?
When you don’t claim your weeks in two weeks, the system locks you out. Call the Remote Interstate Claims Unit at 1.800.529.8339 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1.800.529.8339 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also file online between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Note: if you file by telephone you may experience longer wait times on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday due to higher call volumes.
I filed a claim online and have a confirmation number, but TelClaim doesn’t
recognize my social security number.
Processing Internet claims takes two to three business days. We’ll contact you if we need information. Otherwise, we’ll submit your claim with information you provided. Look for an instruction packet telling you when to call your claim in.
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Please contact me by phone 910-xxx-xxxxx at any time. I have not received my unemployment since october 22 2010.I have called by phone twice with no response.
Comment by Linda R. Suggs — December 30, 2010 @ 10:43 am
Hi Linda,
We detail South Carolina’s Unemployment Insurance Agency’s claim procedure in our latest article. However, isn’t 910 a prefix for North Carolina?
Thanks
Comment by Andrew — January 2, 2011 @ 7:11 pm