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

I applied for unemployment in Birmingham 3 weeks ago and the status page still says pending. I do not usually post, so bear with me. 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.

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