SC H3477

Unemployment insurance benefit duration would vary from 12 to 20 weeks based on South Carolina's seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate, with 12 weeks available when unemployment is at or below 5.5% and 20 weeks when it exceeds 9%.

The unemployment rate used to determine benefit duration would be calculated as a three-month average from Bureau of Labor Statistics data, applied to quarterly reference periods beginning January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.

Workers discharged for misconduct would be disqualified for the maximum duration of benefits applicable to their claim, replacing the previous fixed 20-week disqualification period.

The Department of Employment and Workforce would be authorized to send all required notices, demands, and communications electronically rather than only by physical mail.

The changes would apply to unemployment claims with effective dates on or after January 1, 2027.