pictures of people performing various types of work Logo of the Lower Savannah Workforce Investment Area
Lower Savannah Workforce Investment Area
SERVING: AIKEN - ALLENDALE - BAMBERG - BARNWELL - CALHOUN - ORANGEBURG COUNTIES

Lower Savannah Council of Governments' WIA funded activities afford equal opportunity to the public. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. Speech or hearing-impaired individuals may use TTY Relay Service by dialing 711.



UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

Hours vary at each one-stop location for processing unemployment insurance claims, so you will need to contact your local office for their hours of operation. The process takes and hour and a half to file for benefits and register with job service. The paperwork one needs to bring when filing a claim is a picture ID and Social Security Card. You will need to know your last employer's full address and the dates you worked for that employer. You do not need a termination or lay off slip. It can be processed without that information. If you have just been released from the military, the office will need a picture ID, Social Security Card, and a copy of your DD 214-member 4. If you have Federal wages, the office will need a picture ID, Social Security Card, a SF 8 and SF 50, and a copy of most recent check stub. If you have worked in different states, the office will need to know the dates and the cities you worked.

Commonly Asked Questions About Unemployment Insurance

Q: How would I know if I am eligible to apply for benefits?
A: You would have to have worked 6 months in the base period to have enough wages to start a claim. The base period changes every quarter. Contact your local office for more details.

Q: I am not able to work. Can I file a claim for benefits?
A: If filing a claim for benefits one must be able and available for fulltime work.

Q: I am out on medical leave from my employer and expected to return. Can I file a claim?
A: If you are out on medical and try to file against your employer, you are separating yourself from your employer. You may be disqualified.

Q: I live in South Carolina but worked in Georgia during the base period, where do I file an unemployment insurance claim?
A: Contact your local employment office to file a interstate claim.

Q: I am pregnant. Can I file for benefits?
A: If your doctor states you can work during your pregnancy one can file a claim.

Q: I was discharged from my job. Can I file a claim?
A: Yes, but you are not guaranteed if you will receive benefits. If you were discharged you may be disqualified for a period of not less than five (5) nor more than twenty six (26) weeks, and your maximum benefit amount will be reduced by the number of weeks of disqualification times your weekly benefit amount.

Q: I voluntarily quit my job am I eligible?
A: If you voluntarily quit your job, without good cause connected with your unemployment, you will be disqualified for the duration of your unemployment until you have earned at least eight (8) times your weekly benefit amount in employment.

Q: I worked a part time job would I have enough wages to file a claim?
A: The office would need to determine this by pulling up your wage record. But, you must be seeking fulltime work if you do have enough to file a claim.

Q: I receive a pension do I have to report this when filing?
A: Yes, if the pension was received from a base period employer.

Q: I receive Social Security. Is this deductible?
A: No, Social Security is not deducted from your unemployment benefits.

Q: I voluntarily retired from my last job. Can I receive benefits?
A: You may be disqualified for the duration of your of your unemployment until you have earned at least eight (8) times your weekly benefit amount in employment.

Q: What is the highest weekly benefit amount one can receive?
A: Currently, the maximum amount in South Carolina is $259.00 a week. Your benefit year lasts one year from the date filed, but your benefits do not last one year.

LOWER SAVANNAH WORKFORCE INVESTMENT AREA

PO Box 850, Aiken, South Carolina 29802 - 0850
2748 Wagener Rd, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801
Phone 803-649-7981
Fax 803-649-2248
Hours 8:30 am - 5:00 pm