My first unemployment payment still has not arrived (Raleigh)

I was laid off as a copywriter and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. I am in Raleigh, in case local advice matters. I called the state line four times and only reached a recording. Is there a step I could have missed?

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