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

I filed my claim 17 weeks ago after being let go as a customer-service rep. I called the state line four times and only reached a recording. What would you check first?

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

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