Waiting 17 weeks on my first unemployment payment - what worked for you?

I filed my claim 17 weeks ago after being let go as a security officer. There are 15 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. The page shows my claim as open but no payment date. 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.

Check the messages section of your claim, not just the dashboard. That is where my request for more information was hiding.