SC Works Weekly Job Search: How to Complete Your Two Searches and Keep Benefits in South Carolina

If you get unemployment in South Carolina, the SC Works weekly job search rule matters every week. You must do two job searches in SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) to stay eligible for payment. Only searches done inside SCWOS count, and the system checks them for you. SC Works Online Services job search.

What the rule says

• You must do at least two job searches each week in SCWOS while you are claiming benefits. SC Works Online Services job search.

• These searches must be done within the claim week that goes from Sunday to Saturday. DEW PDF tutorial.

• Only searches done while you are logged into SCWOS count toward your work search requirement. SC Works Online Services job search.

• DEW verifies your searches electronically through SCWOS, so you do not submit paper logs. DEW PDF tutorial.

• If you skip the searches for a week, you will not get paid for that week. DEW find a job page.

This rule is set in the South Carolina regulations for unemployment insurance. It is in S.C. Code Regs. § 47-104, which says you must actively search for work each week unless the department says you have good cause for a waiver. S.C. Code Regs. § 47-104 (Cornell).

Why this matters this week

Every week you certify your claim, you also must finish your two SC Works searches. If you wait until the end and miss the Saturday cutoff, you will fail the rule for that claim week, and your benefit for that week will not be issued. DEW PDF tutorial.

What counts as a work search in SCWOS

A work search in SCWOS is simple. You log in, search for jobs, click into a job post, and read the full details. That click into a posting counts as one job search. DEW PDF tutorial.

You do it again for a second posting, and that is your two searches for the week. SC Works Online Services job search.

You can do this on a computer or on your smartphone using the SC Works tools. DEW find a job page. There are video and PDF tutorials that show each step and where to click. SC Works Online Services job search.

How to complete your weekly searches step by step

1. Register or sign in to your SCWOS account
   If you do not have an SC Works Online Services account yet, you must register. You can get help with the steps on the DEW site. SC Works Online Services job search.
   If you have trouble with your password or login, SC Works support can help you recover access. SC work search requirements guide.

2. Know your week dates (Sunday to Saturday)
   Each claim week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday, and your two SCWOS searches must be done inside that same week window. DEW PDF tutorial.
   Your weekly certification also must match that claim week, so plan your searches early if you can. DEW PDF tutorial.

3. Open the Job Search menu in SCWOS
   After you log in, use the dashboard or the quick menu to open the Job Search page. The official tutorial shows the exact path on the screen. DEW PDF tutorial.

4. Use filters to find postings that fit you
   You can filter by keyword, location, occupation group, and more to find roles near you or in your field. The filter bar is simple and helps you narrow the list. DEW PDF tutorial.

5. Click into a job post and read the full details
   When you click into a posting to see the full job description, that action counts as one valid work search for the week. DEW PDF tutorial.
   This is the key: you must open the full job post while logged into SCWOS so the system can record it as a work search. DEW PDF tutorial.

6. Repeat for a second posting
   Open a second job post and read the details to complete your second required search. That meets the weekly rule of two SCWOS searches. SC Works Online Services job search.

7. Check your search history
   You can look at your SCWOS search history profile to make sure both searches were counted. The tutorial shows where to find this screen. DEW PDF tutorial.
   By the next day, you can also see the work search update in your MyBenefits portal. This confirms DEW received your searches. DEW how-to video on YouTube.

8. Certify your claim for the week
   Each week, you must certify your unemployment claim and also complete your two SCWOS searches during the same Sunday–Saturday week. If you miss either part, you may not receive benefits for that week. DEW PDF tutorial.

What does not count

Searches done outside the SCWOS system do not count toward your weekly two searches. This includes reading job boards that are not inside SCWOS. Only SCWOS searches are verified and accepted by DEW. SC Works Online Services job search.

If you only browse the list and do not click into a job’s details, it may not count because the system records the view of a full posting as the work search action. The tutorial shows that opening a posting is the tracked event. DEW PDF tutorial.

How to verify that your searches were recorded

• In SCWOS: Check your “search history profile” after you finish your searches to confirm that both were captured. DEW PDF tutorial.

• In MyBenefits: Check the next day to see that DEW received and matched your searches to your claim. DEW how-to video on YouTube.

If your searches do not appear, log back in and complete two more inside SCWOS before Saturday night so your week is covered. DEW PDF tutorial.

Consequences if you miss the weekly rule

If you do not complete two valid SCWOS searches for a claim week, you will be ineligible for benefits for that week and a payment will not be issued. DEW find a job page.

DEW uses SCWOS verification to enforce this rule, so it is important to complete and confirm your searches each week. SC Works Online Services job search.

Waivers and exceptions

DEW may waive the work search requirement for good cause, including electronic access barriers or language barriers. Waivers are decided case by case, so you should contact DEW if you think you qualify. S.C. Code Regs. § 47-104 (Cornell).

If you need a waiver, reach out to DEW and explain your situation and ask for guidance on next steps. SC work search requirements guide.

Tools you can use

• Computer or smartphone: Complete SCWOS searches on a desktop, laptop, or smartphone. DEW find a job page.

• Tutorials: DEW offers a video and a PDF tutorial that show how to search, click into postings, and confirm your history. SC Works Online Services job search.

• Local help: There are 49 SC Works Centers across the state that can help with job search, resumes, and training. SC Works Centers job-seekers page.

• Direct how-to video: A short video shows the steps on screen and where to find your history in SCWOS and MyBenefits. DEW how-to video on YouTube.

If you need help with your account

If you need help registering, learning the site, or fixing a password, you can get help from SC Works and DEW. The support pages list steps and contact points. SC Works Online Services job search.

You can also use the SC work search requirements guide to see rules, waivers, and support links for South Carolina. SC work search requirements guide.

The legal base

The South Carolina rule comes from S.C. Code Regs. § 47-104, which sets the requirement for active weekly work search in order to receive benefits, unless waived for good cause. S.C. Code Regs. § 47-104 (Cornell).

DEW publishes guidance for claimants on how to complete the requirement inside SCWOS and how DEW verifies your searches. SC Works Online Services job search.

Make your weekly plan simple

• Set a reminder to log in and complete your two SCWOS searches by midweek so you are not rushing on Saturday. DEW PDF tutorial.

• Use filters to find jobs that fit your skills and location so your searches are useful and count at the same time. DEW PDF tutorial.

• Click into two postings and read the details; that is the tracked action that counts as a work search. DEW PDF tutorial.

• Check your search history profile in SCWOS before you log off. If it shows two searches for the week, you are set. DEW PDF tutorial.

• Look in MyBenefits the next day for the work search update, and then complete your weekly claim certification. DEW how-to video on YouTube.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Doing searches outside SCWOS: Only SCWOS searches count, so searching on other sites does not meet the rule. Always log in first. SC Works Online Services job search.

• Not opening the job post: You must click into the job post to view the full details because that is the recorded work search action. DEW PDF tutorial.

• Waiting until Sunday: The claim week ends Saturday at midnight, so searches done Sunday count toward a new week, not the past week. DEW PDF tutorial.

• Forgetting to certify your claim: You need both the weekly certification and the two SCWOS searches inside the same week window. DEW PDF tutorial.

A closer look at the SC Works Center support

If you want in-person help, SC Works Centers can guide you through the steps to register, search jobs, and confirm your history. There are 49 centers statewide, and they also support career planning and training. SC Works Centers job-seekers page.

You can call ahead or walk in to get help with your resume, skills, and how to use SCWOS on a computer or phone. The centers work closely with DEW to support claimants and job seekers. DEW how-to video on YouTube.

What to do if you think you qualify for a waiver

If you have no internet access, have a language barrier, or another good cause, you can ask DEW for a waiver of the weekly work search. Waivers are case by case and are not automatic. S.C. Code Regs. § 47-104 (Cornell).

Contact DEW, explain your barrier, and follow their steps to see if you qualify for a temporary exception. SC work search requirements guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to apply to jobs for the two searches to count?

You do not need to submit an application for the search to count because opening and reading the full job post in SCWOS is the action that satisfies the work search requirement. The tutorial shows this. DEW PDF tutorial.

Can I do more than two searches?

Yes, you may click into more than two postings, but you must do at least two each week inside SCWOS. Only SCWOS searches are verified for your claim. SC Works Online Services job search.

How soon do my searches show up in MyBenefits?

They typically appear by the next day in your MyBenefits portal. You can also see them right away in your SCWOS search history profile. DEW how-to video on YouTube.

What if I forget until Saturday night?

Complete two SCWOS searches before the week ends at Saturday midnight, and then verify your search history. If you miss the window, that week will not be paid. DEW PDF tutorial.

Where do I get help if I am stuck?

Use the DEW help pages for step-by-step guides and reach out to SC Works for account and search help. The video and PDF tutorials are a good start. SC Works Online Services job search.

Weekly checklist to stay on track

• Log in to SCWOS between Sunday and Saturday. DEW PDF tutorial.

• Use filters to find jobs that match you. DEW PDF tutorial.

• Click into two postings and read the details. DEW PDF tutorial.

• Check your SCWOS search history profile to verify. DEW PDF tutorial.

• Look in MyBenefits the next day for confirmation. DEW how-to video on YouTube.

• Certify your weekly claim. DEW PDF tutorial.

Key facts at a glance

• Two searches per week in SCWOS are required to stay eligible for unemployment benefits. SC Works Online Services job search.

• Claim weeks run Sunday to Saturday. Complete your searches inside that week. DEW PDF tutorial.

• Opening and reading two job posts while logged into SCWOS fulfills the requirement. DEW PDF tutorial.

• You can verify completion in your SCWOS search history and in MyBenefits by the next day. DEW how-to video on YouTube.

• If you do not complete two searches in a week, your payment for that week will not be issued. DEW find a job page.

• Waivers may be granted for good cause like access or language barriers, case by case. S.C. Code Regs. § 47-104 (Cornell).

• In-person help is available at 49 SC Works Centers statewide. SC Works Centers job-seekers page.

• Official tutorials and support are linked on DEW’s site to guide you through registration, search, and verification. SC Works Online Services job search.

Where to go right now

• Start your SCWOS searches: Log in and open the Job Search menu to begin. SC Works Online Services job search.

• Watch the quick video: See exactly how to click into posts and check your history. DEW how-to video on YouTube.

• Read the PDF tutorial: Follow screenshots that show each step. DEW PDF tutorial.

• Find a local SC Works Center: Get one-on-one help near you. SC Works Centers job-seekers page.

Final reminder for this week

This week, do your two searches inside SCWOS before Saturday night, and certify your claim. Then verify your searches in SCWOS and MyBenefits. If you have barriers, ask DEW about a waiver. If you need help, call or visit a local SC Works Center, and use the official video and PDF tutorials to guide you. SC Works Online Services job search.

Regulatory note

All of these steps are grounded in South Carolina’s unemployment rules, which require active weekly work search unless waived for good cause under S.C. Code Regs. § 47-104. DEW provides the official guidance and electronic verification through SCWOS and MyBenefits. S.C. Code Regs. § 47-104 (Cornell).

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