Bill > S0274

This bill amends South Carolina's unemployment insurance (UI) law by changing how weekly unemployment benefits are calculated and reported. Specifically, the bill sets a new maximum weekly benefit amount at $350, which replaces the previous calculation method that tied the maximum benefit to a percentage of the statewide average weekly wage. The bill also removes the requirement that the Department of Employment and Workforce publish the maximum weekly benefit amount on its website. Under the current law, an unemployed worker's weekly benefit was calculated as 50% of their average weekly wage, with a minimum of $42 and a maximum tied to the statewide average wage. The new law simplifies this by establishing a flat maximum benefit of $350, regardless of the worker's previous wages. Additionally, the bill maintains the existing procedure for workers to dispute the department's determination of their weekly benefit amount through a reconsideration process. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0274&session=126&summary=B