South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card Guide
If you have a South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card (SC DEW Bank of America Unemployment Card) and have questions about your card, you’ve come to the right place.
In this detailed guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about your South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card, including what to do if you have not received a card, lost card replacement, how to log in online to check your balance, how to speak to a live person at customer service, and much more.
This post will cover:
- What is the South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card?
- Benefits of South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card
- How the Unemployment Debit Card Works
- Activate your Unemployment Debit Card
- South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card Login
- How Do I check my South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card Balance?
- Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service Phone Number
- South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card FAQs
What is the South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card?
The South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card is used by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) to pay unemployment benefits.
It is a Visa Card issued by Bank of America.
If you are approved for Unemployment Insurance benefits in South Carolina, your benefit payments are applied to this debit card issued to you through the Bank of America.
You do not need to have a bank account to get and use the Debit Card.
Purchases and withdrawals are limited to the balance on your card.
You can then use the Debit Card to make purchases or withdrawals until the funds are exhausted.
The Debit Card is valid for three (3) years.
Benefits of South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card
There are several benefits to receiving your South Carolina Unemployment benefits via the Bank of America issued debit card, versus via a check in the mail.
Here are the key benefits of the South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card and why it is a great alternative to paper checks:
Benefits of the card include:
-
- No more waiting for checks in the mail. Your benefit payments will be directly deposited into your card account.
- Use it everywhere VISA is accepted (in stores, online, and by phone).
- Withdraw cash at ATMs, banks, and stores with cashback options.
- Transfer funds to the financial institution of your choice at no additional cost.
- Be notified when a deposit is made to your card, or when you have a low balance.
- Zero liability. If your card is lost or stolen, Bank of America will reimburse you for any unauthorized card transactions,
- Avoid the hassle of trying to get a check cashed. No more standing in long lines to cash your check.
How the South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card Works
Here’s how the cards will work:
Once you are approved for South Carolina Unemployment benefits and begin to receive your payments on the Debit Card, Bank of America will create a card in your name.
After your first unemployment insurance payment is authorized, Bank of America will mail the debit card to you via the United States Postal Service (USPS).
You should receive the card within 7-10 days.
Whenever you are due to receive your South Carolina Unemployment benefit payment, funds will be sent by Electronic Funds Transfer to your Debit Card.
It is important to note that the South Carolina Unemployment Debit Card is NOT a credit card.
Therefore if you try to use your card for purchases that exceed your balance, your transaction may be declined.
How do I know if my new Unemployment debit card was mailed to me?
If you do not already have a debit card for unemployment insurance, you will receive one within 7 to 10 days of filing a claim.
The card will not be forwarded by the post office. If you have moved, you need to call the DEW and change your address to have a new card mailed to your new address.
How to Activate the South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card
If you have received the South Carolina Unemployment Insurance debit card in the mail, here’s how to activate your card:
Option 1: Activate your card Online.
You can activate your debit card online on the Bank of America South Carolina Unemployment Benefit debit card website.
Once there, click on “Activate My Card” as shown in the image below.
Next, you will be asked to enter your debit card number, as shown in the image below.
Once you have entered your debit card number, click “Continue” and follow the instructions to activate your card.
For security reasons you will need:
- the 16-digit number that appears on the face of the card
- the 3-digit card security number that appears on the back of the card
- the last four digits of your social security number.
During the activation process, you will be asked to create a personal identification number (PIN).
The PIN can be used to make ATM withdrawals and PIN purchases
Once the card is activated, you will be given the account balance and may begin using it immediately.
Option 2: Activate your card by Phone
You can activate online or by calling 1-866-213-4074 toll-free.
Once activated, you may use your card.
South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card Login
If you are trying to log in to your debit card, here’s a step-by-step process on how to do so.
Once you are logged in, you can check your card balance, view pending deposits or transactions, or file get information to file a complaint.
South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card Login Guide
To login to the Bank of America online portal, follow the instructions below.
Step 1 – Visit Bank of America Debit Card Website
The first step to logging into your debit card online account is to visit the Bank of America website. Click here to be taken there.
Once on the site, click “Sign In” as shown below.
Step 2 – Enter Your Username
Next, you will be asked to enter your username as shown below.
This is the username you created when you first set up your account online.
If you entered the correct username, you will be asked for a password.
Once you enter the correct password, you will be taken to your account.
Forgot Username?
If you do not remember your Username, click on the “Need Username?” or “Forgot Username” link as shown below.
Then follow the instructions to retrieve your username.
You will need your card number and the email address on file to successfully retrieve your username.
How Do I check my South Carolina Unemployment Debit Card Balance?
If you are trying to check the balance on your Bank of America debit card, we can help.
Option 1: Log Into Your Account
The first option to checking the balance on your debit card is to log into your account.
Once there, select sign in to your account by clicking the “Sign in” link.
Next, follow the instructions to enter your Username and password
If you do not remember your Username, click on the “Need Username?” or “Forgot Username” link as shown below.
Then follow the instructions to retrieve your username.
You will need your card number and the email address on file to successfully retrieve your username.
Option 2: Check Card Balance by Phone
You can also check the balance on your cards and review all your account transaction activity by calling the Customer Service number at 1-866-213-4074.
- There is no fee for online and telephone balance inquiries.
- Sign up for free balance alerts (mobile text message and e-mail) by logging in to your account.
Option 3: Via an ATM
Finally, you can also check your card balance at an ATM.
There is no fee for balance inquiries made at a Bank of America in-network ATM.
To find a Bank of America in-network ATM, click here.
For inquiries made at ATMs other than Bank of America in-network ATMs, the owner of the ATM may charge a fee. Bank of America won’t charge a fee.
South Carolina Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service Phone Number
If you have questions about the Bank of America debit card, you can call the Bank of America Customer Service Center toll-free at the number below:
Phone (toll-free): 1.866.213.4074
TTY (toll-free): 1.866.656.5913
Outside U.S. (collect): 423.262.1650
Call immediately if your card is lost or stolen
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It is important to mention that Bank of America representatives cannot answer questions about your unemployment claims or DEW programs.
If you have questions about your South Carolina Unemployment benefits or application, call the DEW at the number below:
Phone Number: 1-866-831-1724
South Carolina Relay Service 711 to speak with a TelClaim representative.
South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card:
How will I know if I have a payment on my South Carolina Unemployment Card?
Here’s how you can check if your unemployment benefits have posted to your debit card account:
You can log into your MyBenefits account online to view your payment status.
You can also call online to view your benefit status. Here’s how:
South Carolina residents can also call 1-866-831-1724 and press option 2 after entering their PIN number.
Out of state residents can call 1-866-831-1725 and press option 2 after entering their PIN number.
Do you offer other payment options for me to receive unemployment benefits?
You have the option to receive your South Carolina unemployment benefit payments in the form of a Direct Deposit.
If you have a checking account with a bank or credit union, you can set up a direct deposit for your unemployment benefits into your account.
Can I add Money to my Unemployment Debit Card?
No. You cannot make any additional deposits to the debit card account.
Only unemployment insurance payments made by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW).
How do I dispute a transaction on my South Carolina Unemployment Card?
If you have a transaction you would like to dispute on your South Carolina Unemployment debit card, here’s what you have to do:
All card account disputes should be directed to the South Carolina Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service at the number below.
Phone (toll-free): 1.866.213.4074
TTY (toll-free): 1.866.656.5913
Outside U.S. (collect): 423.262.1650
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You should contact them soon as you can if you think your transaction activity or receipt is wrong.
If you are unsure about a particular or if you need more information, customer service can also help you.
However, it is important to note that you must contact customer service no later than 60 days after the earlier of either the date you electronically accessed your account–if the error or problem could be viewed in your electronic history; or the date we sent the FIRST written history on which the error or problem appeared.
Furthermore, you must report the error or problem no more than 120 days after the transaction allegedly in error was credited or debited to your account.
A customer service representative will provide you with a dispute form to complete and return.
Can I switch my Unemployment benefits from the Bank of America Debit Card?
Yes. You can choose to switch your unemployment benefits from the Bank of America DEW debit card to a traditional bank account.
If you have a checking account with a bank or credit union, you can have your unemployment benefits sent there.
Here’s how:
You can go online at MyBenefits to change your method of payment.
Furthermore, you can also call TelClaim Customer Service at 1.866.831.1724 to speak with a claims representative.
Customer Service representatives are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.
What happens to my debit card if it is mailed to the wrong address?
The card will be returned to the Bank of America debit card center.
You must contact the South Carolina DEW customer service or go online to update your address.
Once you have updated your address with the DEW, contact the Bank of America Debit Card call center at 1.866.213.4074 to request a new card be mailed.
A replacement card will be issued to you. Please keep in mind due to mailing time it can take up to seven (7) to ten (10) days.
Can I change my Debit Card Address with Bank of America?
No. Your address cannot be changed via the Bank of America website nor by Bank of America customer service.
Please contact the South Carolina DEW to update your address.
How do I Transfer Funds from the Debit Card to my Personal Bank Account?
Here’s how to transfer funds from your card account to a traditional checking or savings account.
First, sign on to the website and select the “Transfer Funds” option from the Account Summary page.
Next, you will need to register a “transfer-to” account prior to performing your first transfer.
Once your “transfer to” account is authenticated (this can take up to 5 business days), your transfer will be made.
After you have transferred funds online, it can take up to 2 business days to receive your funds in your account, and the transfer cannot be canceled once entered.
If your account is a Bank of America account, the funds could be available the next business day, if not sooner.
A minimum value of $20.00 may be transferred.
Note that you can only transfer funds to a traditional checking or savings account owned by you at any U.S. financial institution
Transfers Cannot Be Reversed
Once funds are transferred to your checking or savings account, you will not be able to have the funds returned to you.
Therefore, it is important to make sure the routing number or account number you provide for your checking or savings account is correct.
What’s the Website for South Carolina Unemployment Debit Card?
If you are trying to login to your South Carolina DEW Bank of America debit card, click here to be taken there.
Can I get Tracking for my Replacement Card?
There is no tracking information for the debit card mailed through the post office.
However, you can pay $15 to have your card mailed by express delivery with tracking.
You will have to contact customer service for an update on tracking information.
Are there fees associated with this debit card?
You can avoid fees by being careful with how you use your South Carolina Unemployment Debit card.
For example, there are no fees when you use your card for a purchase at a merchant.
Also, many grocery and convenience stores also offer cashback, without a fee, with a purchase.
Additionally, You can get cash from ATMs and from tellers at banks that accept Visa cards.
However, fees may apply if you use an ATM other than at Bank of America.
There are no fees for the following:
- Purchases from merchants that accept Visa debit cards
- ATM withdrawals at Bank of America ATMs in the United States
- One free teller cash access per week at banks that accept Visa cards
- Unlimited balance inquiries at ATMs and Online Customer Service
- One free card replacement per year
Here’s a full list of Bank fees for South Carolina DES Debit Card transactions. Click here for more details.
SERVICES WITH NO FEES |
|
| Purchase Transaction | |
| Purchase at Visa Merchants (signed or using PIN, online, phone or mail purchases) | No Fee |
| ATM Transactions | |
| Bank of America ATM Withdrawal (in the U.S) | No Fee |
| ATM Balance Inquiries (all ATMs) | No Fee |
| Other Service Fees | |
| Automated, Live, or International Customer Service Inquiry | No Fee |
| Online Account Information | No Fee |
| PIN Changes | No Fee |
SERVICES WITH FEES |
|
| ATM Transaction Fees | |
| Non-Bank of America ATM Withdrawal (in the U.S) | $1.50 per transaction |
| ATM Withdrawal (all ATMs outside the U.S.) | $1.50 per transaction |
| ATM Transaction Decline (all ATMs) | One Free per week, $0.50 thereafter |
| Other Service fees | |
| Teller Cash Access (available at financial institutions that accept Visa cards) (limited to available balance only) | One Free per week, $2.00 thereafter |
| Emergency Cash Transfer (in the U.S.) | $15.00 |
| Emergency Cash Transfer (outside the U.S.) | $30.00 |
| Card Replacement (in the U.S.) | One Free per year, $2.00 thereafter |
| Card Replacement—Express Delivery (additional charge) | $15.00 |
| Card Replacement (outside the U.S.) | Quote provided at the time of the request, as price varies by country |
| International Transaction Fee | 2% of U.S. dollar amount of transaction |
Where is my Unemployment Benefit payment?
Benefit payment information is available online through the UI Online portal.
Also, you can get information about when your last payment was issued by using the self-service phone system.
Phone number:
1-866-831-1724
Representatives are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.
South Carolina Unemployment Phone Number
If you have questions about your South Carolina Unemployment benefits, call the South Carolina DEW at the number below:
DEW Unemployment Insurance Customer Service
If you have questions about your South Carolina Unemployment benefits or application, call the DEW at the number below:
Phone Number: 1-866-831-1724
Representatives are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.
South Carolina Relay Service 711 to speak with a TelClaim representative.
South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card Replacement
If your debit card is lost or stolen, the Bank of America “Zero Liability” Policy protects you against fraudulent transactions (subject to certain conditions).
Contact the Debit Card Customer Service Center at 1.866.213.4074 to report your card lost or stolen and to request a replacement card.
If the card has been used, the bank will issue the replacement card in the amount of the remaining balance.
If the post office is unable to deliver a Debit Card, it will be returned to the bank.
Contact the DEW Customer Service Center at 1-866-831-1724 for help on how to update your address to have a new card mailed to you.
South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card Summary
We hope this post on South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about Unemployment Benefits or South Carolina Unemployment benefits specifically, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles on Unemployment Benefits, including:
Whether Unemployment Benefits are Taxable
List of States Extending Unemployment Benefits
Michigan Unemployment Debit Card Guide
California Unemployment Debit Card Guide
New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card