Workers comp rates and rules in South Carolina
South Carolina has 0 workers comp class codes with filed rates, a maximum weekly benefit of $1,083 (66.67% of average weekly wage), and a statute of limitations of 2 years. Verified 2026-05-08.
Class code rate comparison
The top 0 workers comp class codes filed in South Carolina, sorted from cheapest to most expensive per $100 of payroll. Cross-state percentile shows where each code sits versus the same code in other states.
| State | Occupation | Code | Rate per $100 | vs peers | Source |
|---|
Bottom quartile (cheap) Mid Top quartile (expensive) This state
South Carolina coverage rules & benefits
Coverage threshold
Employers with 4 or more employees are generally required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
Max weekly benefit
$1,083 (66.67% of average weekly wage), effective 2024.
TTD weeks
500 weeks of temporary total disability benefits.
PPD weeks
220 weeks of permanent partial disability (whole-body schedule).
Death benefit
Up to $541,450 in fatal-claim death benefits to dependents.
Statute of limitations
2 years from injury date to file the claim.
1099 contractor treatment
Independent contractors (1099 workers) are generally not considered employees for workers' compensation purposes, but misclassification can lead to penalties.
Owner exclusion
Allowed. Sole proprietor self-coverage: optional. LLC member self-coverage: optional.
State fund
South Carolina State Accident Fund is the state-administered carrier.
Estimate your premium in South Carolina
Pre-filled to South Carolina. Pick your industry and payroll to see a real premium range from filed rates.
Estimate your workers comp premium
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Filing & compliance in South Carolina
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Step 1, Confirm coverage threshold
Employers with 4 or more employees are generally required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
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Step 2, Determine class code
Your premium uses the NCCI class code that best matches your operation. The wrong class code can cost 4-10x more or get reclassified at audit.
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Step 3, Get a quote (or use the state fund)
South Carolina State Accident Fund is one option; private carriers like Travelers, Hartford, and Liberty Mutual also write coverage in South Carolina. Schedule credits up to 25% are typical for low-loss accounts.
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Step 4, Track payroll & subcontractors
General contractors are generally responsible for ensuring subcontractors carry workers' compensation insurance, or they may be held liable for injuries to the subcontractor's employees. Keep certificates of insurance for every sub.
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Step 5, Annual audit
Carriers audit payroll Typically within 90-120 days of policy expiration, but can extend for several years.. Have payroll segregated by class code, job descriptions on file, and overtime properly excluded from rated payroll.
South Carolina workers comp FAQs
Who has to carry workers compensation insurance in South Carolina?
Employers with 4 or more employees are generally required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
What is the maximum weekly workers comp benefit in South Carolina?
The current maximum weekly benefit in South Carolina is $1,083 (effective 2024). Benefits are typically 66.67% of the average weekly wage, capped at the state maximum.
How long do I have to file a workers comp claim in South Carolina?
The statute of limitations for filing a workers compensation claim in South Carolina is 2 years from the date of injury. Notice to the employer is typically required within 30 days.
Are 1099 contractors covered by workers comp in South Carolina?
Independent contractors (1099 workers) are generally not considered employees for workers' compensation purposes, but misclassification can lead to penalties.
Can business owners exclude themselves from workers comp coverage in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina allows business owners (sole proprietors, partners, LLC members, corporate officers) to exclude themselves from coverage by filing the appropriate election form. Sole-proprietor self-coverage is not required; LLC member self-coverage is not required.
What is the penalty for not carrying workers comp in South Carolina?
Failure to carry required workers' compensation insurance can result in fines, stop-work orders, and personal liability for employee injuries.
When does my workers comp carrier audit my payroll in South Carolina?
South Carolina typically requires a payroll audit Typically within 90-120 days of policy expiration, but can extend for several years.. Final premium is reconciled to actual payroll, and class code allocation can shift based on the audit findings. Keep payroll segregated by class code and have job-duty documentation ready.
Am I liable for subcontractors' workers comp in South Carolina?
General contractors are generally responsible for ensuring subcontractors carry workers' compensation insurance, or they may be held liable for injuries to the subcontractor's employees.