System Allows Unemployed to Apply Online for Benefits

Unemployed people across South Carolina no longer have to wait in line to apply for their benefits, thanks to a new website.

The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce announced Wednesday the launch of a website where jobless residents can file their initial unemployment claim, check the status of their claim and choose how they receive their benefits.

Spokeswoman Adrienne Fairwell said the website should free up more time for employees at the local offices to help unemployed people get back to work.

"The hope is that claimants will use the web portal, and that will slow down traffic at the local offices," Fairwell said.

Users can go to mybenefits.dew.sc.gov and sign up for a username and password that will allow them access to various agency applications.

They'll also have access to the Virtual One-Stop system where they can apply for jobs online and work with a "virtual recruiter" to find jobs that match their specified criteria.

There are 226,768 unemployed South Carolina residents in June, according to seasonally adjusted numbers from the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.