South Carolina Layoff Resources
If you have been laid off in South Carolina, start here for unemployment, health coverage, basic-needs assistance, workforce services, and help with possible workplace problems.
Eligibility varies by program, so use the official links below for current rules and applications.
Unemployment Benefits and Filing
South Carolina Unemployment Insurance may provide temporary income if you lost work through no fault of your own. Certify each week you want benefits and report all work and earnings. Unless exempt, you must complete at least two job searches each week through SC Works Online Services (SCWOS); searches outside SCWOS do not count toward this requirement.
- South Carolina unemployment information
- South Carolina work-search requirements
- Unemployment assistance: 866-831-1724
Layoff-Notice Protections
South Carolina does not have a separate state mini-WARN law that expands federal thresholds. Federal WARN may require 60 days’ advance notice for certain large layoffs or plant closings. South Carolina Rapid Response can provide reemployment and training help.
- South Carolina WARN and layoff information
- South Carolina Rapid Response services (.pdf)
- Federal WARN Act
Health-Insurance Coverage
Losing job-based insurance usually creates a special enrollment opportunity. Compare HealthCare.gov coverage, Healthy Connections Medicaid, and COBRA before choosing.
Food, Cash, Childcare, Utility, and Local Assistance
South Carolina’s benefits systems are starting points for SNAP and other assistance. Child Care Scholarships and LIHEAP have additional program rules. For local food, housing, utility, and emergency help, use SC 211.
- South Carolina Benefits Portal
- South Carolina Child Care Scholarship Program
- South Carolina Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- SC 211
- Dial 211
- South Carolina housing resources
Workforce and Reemployment Services
SC Works centers provide no-cost employment and training services, including résumé help, career guidance, veteran services, computer access, and information about training assistance.
Workplace Problems and Legal Help
South Carolina Labor, Licensing and Regulation handles certain unpaid-wage and payment-of-wages complaints. Employment-discrimination complaints under state law generally must be filed with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission within 180 days; federal deadlines can differ.
- South Carolina wage-and-hour information
- South Carolina Human Affairs Commission
- File an EEOC charge
Civil legal help
Last Reviewed: August 2026