First unemployment deposit is late, what should I check? - what worked for you?

I was laid off as a mechanic and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. I am in Chicago, in case local advice matters. The page shows my claim as open but no payment date. Has anyone been through this? How long did it take in the end?

When I finally got through, the agent said my employer had responded late. Once that cleared, back pay came in one payment.

Keep certifying every week even while you wait. If they find you eligible, the weeks you certified are the ones that count.