My first unemployment payment still has not arrived - any advice?

I was laid off as an electrician's helper and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I called the state line four times and only reached a recording. Is there a step I could have missed?

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