When a former employee files for unemployment benefits, the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) investigates the claim. The agency will contact you and your former employee and then issue a determination letter detailing its initial findings. The letter will list any points of law DEW considered in making the determination.

If you disagree with the determination, you have the right to file an appeal. Each determination letter contains detailed appeal rights and information; make sure to read this information thoroughly. Your former employee, or any employer whose unemployment insurance tax account is affected by your claim, can also appeal the determination.

If you disagree with the decision made after an appeal, you can appeal further to the Appellate Panel. You must file your appeal within 10 calendar days of the mailing date listed on the appeal decision.

You have the right to file an appeal if you disagree with paying an individual’s claim.

There are two types of Appeals – (1) Notice of Appeal to Appeal Tribunal and (2) Application for Leave to Appeal to the Appellate Panel. The first type of appeal may be filed after the determination has been made by Claims Adjudicator. The second type of appeal may be filed after the Appeal Tribunal has communicated their decision. By law, you must file your appeal within 10 calendar days of the mailing date listed on the Determination or the Appeal Tribunal decision. If the 10th day falls on a weekend or recognized holiday, the appeal period extends to the next business day.

To file an appeal login to the Employer's Self-Service portal.

Appeal Hearing Notice

Claimants and employers will receive a hearing notice notifying them of the date and time of the telephone appeal hearing. If you receive this notice and the phone number listed is not correct, it is your responsibility to notify our staff of the correct phone number.

Failure to provide an updated phone number for the hearing and failure to participate in the hearing may result in dismissal of the appeal or your interests being considered abandoned.

You can provide your phone number simply by clicking the button below and following the prompted steps.

Step 1: Click register if this is your first time using the online service for this Appeal Number (as indicated on the hearing notice).

Step 2: Click update if you have already registered for this Appeal Number, have received a confirmation number and need to update the phone number previously provided for this appeal hearing.

Administrative Tax Appeal

Employers may appeal an administrative determination regarding the status, liability and applicable contributions rate using the Request for Appeal (DOC) (APP-100) The appeal tribunal will review the initial determination and affirm, modify or reverse the decision. 

Appeals must be made within 30 days from the initial administrative determination.

Appeals may be submitted by mail using the information listed below. 

Address:
UI Tax Appeals
P.O. Box 2032
Columbia, SC 29202 

During the hearing an administrative hearing officer acts as the impartial judge of all facts presented and a field deputy speaks on behalf of the agency.

Corporations must be represented by an attorney licensed in the state of South Carolina. Other entities may represent themselves but the administrative hearing officer will ensure that the case’s facts are fully developed. 

This hearing represents your only opportunity to present evidence. The parties must ensure witnesses, documentary evidence, and other relevant information is presented on the record during the hearing. 

If you cannot participate in the hearing notify the appeal tribunal at 803-737-2520 | Relay 711 as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, the appeal tribunal may postpone your hearing or allow you to participate by telephone.

The administrative hearing officer will mail a written decision to the addresses on record of all parties involved.

Click these links to find more information on laws and regulations governing DEW.

For more information, please contact the Appellate Division at 803-737-2520 | Relay 711.

Appellate Panel

The Appellate Panel Office
631 Hampton Street
C. Lem Harper Building
Columbia, SC 29202
803-737-2650 | Relay 711

Note: Panelists are prohibited from speaking to claimants, employers and/or their attorney or representatives prior to the scheduled hearings.