My first unemployment payment still has not arrived - 5 months and counting

I filed my claim 8 weeks ago after being let go as a hotel front-desk agent. There are 4 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. 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?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It saved me later.

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