South Carolina COVID-19
Response & Resources

INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYEES

• Effective June 26, 2021, the state of South Carolina is no longer participating in any of the federal pandemic unemployment programs. This includes PUA, PEUC, FPUC, and MEUC.
• If you are eligible to move from federal programs to the state UI program, you will be notified with next steps. Continue checking your MyBenefit Portal: https://www.dew.sc.gov/covid-19-resources
• Anyone currently on state unemployment benefits, which is up to 20 weeks of benefits, will continue to receive their weekly benefit amount (WBA) starting June 27, 2021 as long as they remain eligible.
• As of April 18, 2021, the work search requirement is in effect. You must complete two weekly job searches in the SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) portal each week to remain eligible for UI benefits.
  • This is updated and no longer waived because of COVID 19.
  • Portal link: https://jobs.scworks.org/vosnet/Default.aspx
• Weekly benefit ranges from $42 to $326 a week before taxes
• If COVID-19 made your employer lay you off or reduce your hours, you can get help. You can apply for UI through the SC Department of Workforce and Employment SCDEW. If you’re applying for UI between March 15 and April 18, the process has changed. You will not have to wait a week or do two job searches per week to receive benefits.

 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU WERE LAID OFF OR FIRED BECAUSE YOU TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 (THE CORONAVIRUS)

• You can file a complaint with the Human Affairs Commission or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

 

More info on how to apply here.

For Employers:

What is an “Employer-filed claim” and how do they work?

When an employer files the claim with SCDEW it is a way for workers who have been laid off or have reduced hours but are still “job attached” to the employer, to possibly receive Unemployment Insurance benefits (UI).

What does “job attached” mean?

Being job attached to an employer means that both the employee and employer intend that (s)he will go back to work or increase their hours in the future. This means the worker has not left work permanently.

Is this a better way to apply for unemployment insurance?

Employer filed claims are more useful as it removes the step of an employer having to verify a worker’s claim. Employers can use an excel spreadsheet or CSV file to upload many employees at once instead of one at a time. Initial claims are filed online through the MyBenefits portal. If you need further assistance call our toll-free number 1-866-831-1724 | Relay 711.

Do I need to do anything different for furloughed employees?

Yes! You need to submit a Support Payment Plan Application found at https://www.dew.sc.gov/employers/covid-support-payments. The application is in the bottom left corner of the web page.

How does an employer file an employer-filed claim?

Use the Employer Self Service Portal: https://scuihub.dew.sc.gov/ESS/ESSLogin.htm?service=%2F

When can an employer submit a claim?

• The employer must submit an electronic file to our department each week he/she wishes to file by using the Employer Self-Service Portal. The claim must be submitted after the week of layoff is over but within 14 days of the claim week ending date.
• An employer is required to report any earnings the employee may have received from employer or any other employer during the particular week filed. 
• An employer is allowed to file up to six weeks for affected employees. Employees are exempt from work search requirements during those six weeks.

More info: https://www.dew.sc.gov/employers/employer-filed-claims

If I make an employer-field claim, should I tell my employees?

Yes. If you make an employer filed claim on behalf of  your employees, tell them. The worker will still need to apply for UI.  You can tell him/her to create an account and certify the claim each week on the SCDEW website.

Employer-Filed Claims Process Has Less Steps

Source: SCDEW as of March 23, 2020

For more information, visit the SCDEW website at https://dew.sc.gov/

For Employees:

If the business files an employer claim, do I need to do anything to get UI?

Yes! You will still need to go to the SCDEW website at https://dew.sc.gov/ and set up an account and make a claim.  You will need to file each week out of work or you have reduced hours

If you are new to the SCDEW system, l click the “I am new here. I need to register now!” This is a three-step process:

• Create a username and password; then
• Log into the system using their new name and password to create an account
• After creating an account, you will need to CERTIFY your weekly claims to receive unemployment benefits.
  • Step by step PDF: https://www.dew.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/edited-employer-filed-claims-flyer.pdf

IMPORTANT:

If you have applied for UI before on the computer system, you should use the same username and password used last time to login and certify. If you do not remember your username and password. Do Not create a new account. Instead, click “forgot your username/password.”

Can I still get UI if I’m a furloughed employee?

• Every claim is different and there are many factors that play into what makes someone ineligible. To determine if you are eligible to receive UI benefits, you must file a claim with DEW.
• Situational requirements: 

1. You’re unemployed. (If you currently work less than full time due to being out of work and earn less than your weekly benefit amount, you’re still considered unemployed. When filing your weekly claim, report all work you performed and wages earned that week. Continue to seek full-time work.)
2. It was not your fault you lost your job from your most recent employer.
3. You're able to work.
4. You’re available for work and willing to take any suitable offer.
5. You report to your local comprehensive SC Works center as required. (Temporarily suspended due to COVID-19)
6. You must actively search for suitable work each week that you file a weekly certification for unemployment insurance benefits. Suitable work includes any trade, occupation, or business in which you are qualified based on your training or experience, and which pays at least 90% of your previous salary during your first eight paid weeks of unemployment and 75% of your previous salary after eight paid weeks of unemployment. 
7. You must complete at least two (2) work searches through SC Works Online Services (jobs.scworks.org) each week that you file a certification.

• Monetary Requirements:
  • Monetary requirements only apply to claimants on state UI not on the federal program, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
  • To be monetarily eligible for (state) UI benefits, you must:

1. 1. Have at least $1,092 in covered employment (with an employer who paid UI taxes) during the base period’s* highest quarter.
   2. Have earned at least $4,455 from covered employment during the base period*.
   3. Have total base period* wages that are equal to, or exceed, 1.5 times the high quarter wages’ total.

*The base period is defined as wages earned doing one year of insured work. Base-period wages typically establish monetary eligibility for UI benefits. There are two methods used when calculating the base period: the standard base period and the alternate base period, both described below. When your initial claim is reviewed, DEW will decide which base period system your situation falls under. You will not have to determine this yourself.

Source: https://www.dew.sc.gov/individuals/how-unemployment-insurance-works

Here are some tips for answering questions while filing your initial claim. 

Q: Who do I list as an employer if I’m self-employed, 1099, gig employees, etc.? 

A: Use the name you provide when filing with the IRS.

Q: Why is it asking if I have completed a job search since the weekly job search was waived for COVID19 related claims? 

A: To remain eligible for UI, you must complete the job search requirement: Starting April 18, 2021, the job search requirement in SCWOS (SC Works Online Services) will begin. Claimants are required to complete two weekly job searches in SCWOS in order to remain eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits. The state regulation that requires this was suspended for more than one year during the pandemic.

Q: What is my return to work date if I don’t know?

A: Use your best guess. This can be changed later. 

NOTE: If you have lost your job, through no fault of your own, due to COVID19, please use COVID-19 as the reason for the layoff.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved Governor Henry McMaster’s request for the agency to offer South Carolina’s small businesses with disaster assistance. Governor McMaster requested the disaster declaration in a March 17 letter to SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.

The disaster declaration means that South Carolina’s small businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of the COVID-19 virus may qualify for low-interest federal disaster loans. All 46 counties are included in the disaster declaration.

“These low-interest loans are of monumental importance to our business community," said Gov. Henry McMaster. "There's no doubt that our state's small businesses have suffered losses throughout this incredibly difficult time, but help is on the way. To have Administrator Carranza approve our request so quickly shows that President Trump’s administration is fully committed to helping our businesses recover from the impact of this virus.”

South Carolina’s businesses can apply online at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For additional loans, visit here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options 

Advance Child Tax Credit

The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March. Normally, the IRS will calculate the payment based on a person's 2020 tax return, including those who use the Non-filer Sign-up tool. If that return is not available because it has not yet been filed or is still being processed, the IRS will instead determine the initial payment amounts using the 2019 return or the information entered using the Non-filers tool that was available in 2020. If an eligible taxpayer did not file for 2019 or 2020, they may use a new online Non-filer Sign-up tool to register for the monthly Advance Child Tax Credit payments.

To make sure families have easy access to their money, the IRS will issue these payments by direct deposit, as long as correct banking information has previously been provided to the IRS. Otherwise, people should watch their mail starting on or after July 15 for their mailed payment. The dates for the Advance Child Tax Credit payments are July 15, August 13, September 15, October 15, November 15 and December 15.

• Link for the Non-filer Sign-up tool: https://www.freefilefillableforms.com/#/fd/childtaxcredit
• Use this tool to report your qualifying children born before 2021 if you:
  • Are not required to file a 2020 tax return, didn’t file one and don’t plan to; and
  • Have a main home in the United States for more than half of the year.
  • Also, if you did not get the full amounts of the first and second Economic Impact Payment, you may use this tool if you:
    • Are not required to file a 2020 tax return, didn’t file and don’t plan to, and
    • Want to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit and get your third Economic Impact Payment.
• • • What you need for this tool:
      • Full name
      • Current mailing address
      • Email address
      • Date of birth
      • Valid Social Security numbers (or other taxpayer IDs) for you and your dependents
      • Bank account number, type and routing number, if you have one
      • Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) you received from the IRS earlier this year, if you have one
• For more information: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-202=

For the most up-to-date information, please visit this link regarding stimlus checks.

Stimilus Check FAQ

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today announced that delivery of payments from the government will start in the next three weeks.  They will be issued automatically.  Most people will not have to do anything to get money.  Direct deposits should begin by April 17, followed by checks in the mail.

Who is eligible for the economic impact payment?

Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing together will get the full payment. If your income is above those amounts, your payment is lowered by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible.

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax their taxes in 2019 or 2018 will automatically get this payment up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples. Parents also receive $500 for each eligible child.

You may include a foster child, If you are a foster parent and the child lived with you half the year. The child cannot be claimed by the birth parent.

How will the IRS know where to send my payment?

Most people do not need to do anything. The IRS will calculate and send the payment to those who are eligible.

The third stimulus check is based on your 2020 tax return. If a 2020 tax return has not been processed when eligibility and amount of payment are being determined for you, your 2019 tax information may be used for this purpose.  If eligible, you may claim a 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit for the dependent on your 2021 tax return that you will file in 2022.

Banking information is received in a number of ways:

• • Your bank account information is obtained from the most recently filed tax return or information entered in Get My Payment. You cannot change your account information.
  • If you haven't filed a 2020 or 2019 tax return and you received SSA, RRB, SSI, or VA benefits, you will receive the third payment as a direct deposit, on your Direct Express Card, or by mail, just as you would normally receive your benefits

When there is no banking information available, before issuing a U.S Treasury check or EIP Card, Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service has provided IRS account information from agencies issuing benefit payments including the Office of Personnel Management, Railroad Retirement Board, Social Security Administration, Thrift Savings Plan, and Department of Veterans Affairs. The banking information can be either where a U.S. Government payment was sent or an account where an individual paid the U.S. Governmen=

What can I do to get my direct deposit information to the IRS?

Treasury plans to develop a web-based portal on its internet site for individuals to provide their banking information to the IRS online.  This will let you get payments immediately as opposed to checks in the mail.

I am on Social Security or Social Security Disability and do not file a tax return. Can I still get my payment?

People who usually do not file a tax return because you get Social Security or Social Security Disability will not need to file anything to get the payment. Senior citizens, Social Security recipients, some veterans and individuals with disabilities who are otherwise not expected to file a tax return will not owe tax. 

The IRS will automatically send a third payment to people who didn't file a return but receive Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs benefits. Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will generally receive this third payment the same way as their regular benefits. The IRS is working directly with the other federal agencies to obtain updated 2021 information for recipients to ensure we are sending automatic payments to as many people as possible.

While payments will be automatic for beneficiaries based on their federal benefits information, some may need to file a 2020 tax return even if they don't usually file to provide information the IRS needs to send a payment for a spouse or any qualified dependent(s). People in this group should file a 2020 tax return to be considered for an additional payment for their spouse and qualifying dependent(s).

I only get SSI or VA Disability Compensation and do not file a tax return.  Can I still get my payment?

Yes, but you must file a tax return.  Low-income seniors and people with disabilities who get only Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans (VA) Disability Compensation or Veterans Pension benefits must file a tax return in order to get their stimulus payment.

I have not filed my tax return for 2018 or 2019. Can I still get an economic impact payment?

Yes. Anyone who is supposed to file your taxes but has not filed for 2018 or 2019 needs to do so as soon as they can.  This is how you can get an economic impact payment. Taxpayers should include direct deposit banking information on the return.

I need to file a tax return. How long are the economic impact payments offered?

If you need to get help filing and will need in person help to file your tax return, these payments will be available all through the rest of 2020.

I am an Immigrant, Can I Get This Payment?

Immigrants may be eligible.  This is what you need to know as an immigrant:

• You must have a valid social security number.  Sadly, this will stop many immigrants and mixed–immigration status families from getting this help.
• Eligibility for immigrant families is limited:
• Individual tax filers must have a social security number that is legitimate for work purposes when you file your 2020 tax return.
• There is an exception.  If at least one spouse filing jointly was in the military during the last tax year, and if one spouse has a valid social security number
• To get the funds, tax filers will also need to be “resident aliens”.  This means if you are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR), you live primarily in the United States.
• Children claimed as dependents must also have a lawful social security number for your family to get the funds for dependents. If the dependent is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR), they must also be resident alien.   
• People who file taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) will not be able to get payment. If both spouses in a married couple used an ITIN to file their taxes, no one in the household is eligible. This is even if you have dependent children with social security numbers.
• For mixed–immigration status married taxpayers (where one taxpayer has a social security number and the other taxpayer has an ITIN), you must file separately to claim the payment for any household members with a social security number.
• Mixed status couples who file jointly and receive health insurance tax subsidies under the Affordable Care Act may not be able to file separately.  This is because they might lose their health insurance tax subsidy. We urge you to consult a tax professional before you file anything.

If you don’t normally file a tax return, you can still receive a stimulus check. To do so, enter your information into this portal. Or for more information, click here.

 

What if I did not get a full Economic Impact Payment?

• If you didn't get a first and second Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount, you may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 tax return. Alternatively, eligible people who don't normally have to file a tax return and who didn't file a 2019 or 2020 tax return or use the Non-Filers tool for stimulus payments last year can use the Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-up Tool. You can still file after the tax deadline

Where can I get more information?

The IRS will post all vital information on IRS.gov/coronavirus as soon as they have it. The IRS has a cut staff in many of its offices but remains devoted to helping eligible individuals receive their payments as fast as possible.

Check for updated information on IRS.gov/coronavirus rather than calling IRS assistors. They are helping process 2019 returns.

The COVID-19 epidemic has harshly impacted undocumented workers. Undocumented workers in the state are not eligible for unemployment benefits (UI). These families are facing hard financial situations. There are national groups that have funds to help undocumented workers and their families. Below is a list of funds that are available to undocumented workers in South Carolina.

National Resources:

Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation: Southern Smoke Application for Financial Assistance

• This fund provides funding to those employed by or own restaurants or bars or will not be covered by insurance
• Apply: https://form.southernsmoke.org/smoke/application/

 La Cosecha: Undocumented Workers Fund

• This fund is to help the immigrant community during COVID-19. The fund will help
• families buy groceries, pay rent, utilities, and other monthly bills.
• Apply: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/cosechamutualaid?refcode=march22email&link_id=2&can_id=f1f6583ae991bfd4ec74b2c7066277e7&source=email-donate-to-the-undocumented-worker-fund&email_referrer=email_756635___subject_1012348&email_subject=donate-to-the-undocumented-worker-fund

One Fair Wage: One Fair Wage Service Worker Emergency Fund

• Fund is to help workers who work in the service industry
• Apply: https://ofwemergencyfund.org/ayuda?fbclid=IwAR2JzeI0SaWHZ-N0uH9cJXc1U3FsynnlNabz0W9NgXjKWrx_h1HiQHvBHFU

Restaurant Opportunities Centers United: ROC Relief

• Fund helps restaurant workers affected by the pandemic of COVID-19
• Apply: https://rocunited.org/relief/

The federal government is giving stimulus payments to families to help support people during the national COVID-19 emergency. Only some immigrants are eligible for these payments.

Below are some frequently asked questions about who can get these payments if you, or one of your family members, is an immigrant.

If I am an immigrant with no spouse and no children, can I get the payment?

It depends. If you file your taxes with a social security number that was issued for work purposes, you can get the payment. You must also be either a U.S. citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), or a “resident alien,” meaning you reside in the U.S. most of the time. If you file your taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you cannot get the stimulus payment.  

 

I have a social security number and I file taxes as “married filing jointly” with my spouse who has an ITIN, and we don’t have any children, can we get the payment?

You alone will qualify, unless you or your spouse is in the military. The third stimulus check is different than previous checks. If you are married filing jointly, and one spouse has an SSN and one has an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), the spouse with an SSN can get the payment. If one spouse is an active member of the military, then both spouses are eligible for a stimulus check even if only one spouse has an SSN and the other spouse has an ITIN.

Originally, under the first stimulus check, if you were married filing jointly, both spouses needed valid SSNs. However, expanded SSN rules for the second stimulus check are retroactive and now apply to the first stimulus check. If you were denied your first stimulus payment because both you and your spouse did not have SSNs, you can claim your first stimulus check as the Recovery Rebate Tax Credit on your 2020 tax return.

Information here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit

My spouse and I both have ITINs, but our children have social security numbers, can we get the payment?

Any family member that has a Social Security number (SSN) can qualify for the third stimulus check. In a household where both parents have ITINs, and their children have SSNs, the children qualify for stimulus checks, even though the parents do.

 

I have a social security number and I file taxes as “married filing jointly” with my spouse who has an ITIN, but our children have social security numbers, can we get the payment? No,

You and your children may qualify for the stimulus check. If you are married filing jointly, and one spouse has an SSN and one has an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), the spouse with an SSN and any qualifying dependents with SSNs or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) can get the payment. If one spouse is an active member of the military, then both spouses are eligible for a stimulus check even if only one spouse has an SSN and the other spouse has an ITIN.

Originally, under the first stimulus check, if you were married filing jointly, both spouses needed valid SSNs. However, expanded SSN rules for the second stimulus check are retroactive and now apply to the first stimulus check. If you were denied your first stimulus payment because both you and your spouse did not have SSNs, you can claim your first stimulus check as the Recovery Rebate Tax Credit on your 2020 tax return. 

If me and my kids have a social security number, but my spouse has an ITIN, is there any way I can get the individual payment for myself and my kids?

Only people with valid Social Security numbers will be eligible to receive a stimulus payment. That means undocumented immigrants and immigrants who file their taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) are not eligible for a payment. However, a family member having an ITIN will not disqualify an entire family.

If you file jointly with your spouse and only one individual has a valid SSN, you will receive up to $1,400 for the spouse with a valid SSN and up to $1,400 for each qualifying dependent claimed on the tax return.

You can still receive up to $1,400 for a qualified dependent claimed on your return, even if one member of a family does not have a valid SSN, but you must meet all of the other eligibility and income requirements.

My spouse and I are here on work visas and we have social security numbers, but our children have ITINs, can we get the payment?

You will receive up to $1,400 for each spouse with a valid SSN and up to $1,400 for each qualifying dependent claimed on the tax return. The third payment includes up to an additional $1,400 for each dependent you claim on your 2020 tax return (or your 2019 return if a 2020 return has not been filed or processed) with a valid SSN or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS.

A child is your qualifying child if the following conditions are met:

• • Relationship to the individual who’s eligible for the payment: The child is your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, or a descendant of any of them (for example, grandchild, niece, or nephew).
  • Child's age: The child was: under age 19 at the end of the tax year, under age 24 at the end of the tax year, a student, and younger than you, or any age and permanently and totally disabled.
  • Child's citizenship: The child’s a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. resident alien, or a resident of Canada or Mexico.
  • Child's residency: The child lived with you for more than half of the tax year.
  • Support for child: The child didn’t provide over half of his or her own support for the tax year.
  • Child's tax return: The child doesn’t file a joint return for the year (or files it only to claim a refund of withheld income tax or estimated tax paid).

If I get this payment, can it be used against me in the public charge test if I adjust my immigration status in the future?

No. The stimulus payment is a tax credit. The law is clear that tax credits will not count in a public charge determination. Also, if you are already an LPR, there is no public charge test when you apply to adjust to U.S. citizenship.

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