DEW launches final federal program for South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C (WPDE) — The South Carolina Dept. of Employment and Workforce reports there is a downward trend in unemployment insurance claims but the number of people filing initial claims is still high.

For the week ending May 23, initial claims were 24,950 statewide-- a decrease of 4,496 from the prior week.

Between March 15 and May 23, SCDEW has paid more than $1.5 billion in a combination of South Carolina UI benefits, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation ($600 per week) program.

“Our agency is tasked with offering critical benefits during unemployment and critical services for re-employment. If you are in a position where you know that your layoff was permanent and you need help finding your next job opportunity, please know that our staff and the employees of the SC Works Centers throughout the state are here to help,” said Dan Ellzey, Executive Director, S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.

SCDEW also launched the third and final federal program, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), on Wednesday, May 27.

The PEUC provides 13 additional weeks of state unemployment insurance benefits after the 20 weeks provided by South Carolina law have expired.

Individuals could still be eligible to receive the financial support needed if they:

• have exhausted all regular unemployment insurance benefit payments.
• had a benefit year-end after July 1, 2019, but have not qualified for a new benefit year.
• are able and available for work and are actively seeking work.
• are not eligible for unemployment benefits under any other state or federal program.
  

“I think we can all agree that the ideal scenario would be for South Carolinians to have a viable work opportunity, have the personal resources such as child care, health and safety needed to support that opportunity, and be able to accept the work in order to re-establish the stability of their employment income,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director, Dan Ellzey. “In many cases, this will be true. However, as employers and workers adapt to changes and challenges presented with COVID-19, there will be some individuals who will need this extension of benefits until they are ready to rejoin the workforce.”

To file for PEUC:

• Login to your benefits account and click “Apply for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation” or “File a New Unemployment Insurance Claim.”
• Complete the eligibility, employment history, and separation and job eligibility questions, and submit your claim.