Waiting 17 weeks on my first unemployment payment - first time posting

I applied for unemployment in Chicago 17 weeks ago and the status page still says pending. I do not usually post, so bear with me. The page shows my claim as open but no payment date. Has anyone been through this? How long did it take in the end?

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