My first unemployment payment still has not arrived - what worked for you?

I was laid off as a copywriter and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. I worked as a copywriter before this. I called the state line four times and only reached a recording.

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.