Unemployment checks on way soon in state

For 40,000 South Carolinians who missed unemployment payments because of a congressional stalemate, checks will be on their way soon.

But some might have a few hoops to negotiate to get their make-up payments.

Here's how the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce said the retroactive payments should work and when the money should arrive:

How will the state pay the retroactive benefits?

South Carolina will send a lump-sum payment for missed checks.

How soon can people expect to get their money?

It could be days or weeks. It depends whether they continued to file for unemployment even after their checks stopped. About 32,000 people continued to file after the benefits stopped. Another 8,000 didn't.

What happens for people who continued to file each week?

Payments should go out Monday and arrive during the week. They don't need to do anything except continue to file for their weekly benefits.

What about those who stopped filing?

They will be treated like a new applicant. They will need to visit a workforce center and sign up to reinstate payments. They also will have to choose one of the paperless payment methods -- direct deposit or the new debit card. Payments will take two to four weeks after they reapply for benefits.

Will workforce centers extend hours?

Yes. All 36 workforce centers statewide will be open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, only to help people get their retroactive payments. The centers also are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.