My first unemployment payment still has not arrived

I filed my claim 18 weeks ago after being let go as a paralegal. I have been trying to stay organised about it. I called the state line four times and only reached a recording. Has anyone been through this? How long did it take in the end?

Mine took about 18 weeks because of an identity check I did not notice. Look for a message or a letter you may have missed in your online account.