My first unemployment payment still has not arrived after 16 years as a retail manager

I was laid off as a retail manager and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. There are 16 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 made the follow-up calls so much easier.