S.C. Code Ann. § 9-21-60

Upon exhaustion of the agency remedy set out in this chapter, a claimant may seek review of the retirement systems' final decision by filing a request for a contested case hearing with the Administrative Law Court within thirty calendar days after the claimant receives the retirement systems' final decision. The Administrative Law Court must review the decision of the retirement systems de novo in accordance with its rules of procedure. If a claimant requests consideration by the Administrative Law Court before having exhausted the claimant's agency remedy, the Administrative Law Court must dismiss the request without prejudice.