Waiting 18 weeks on my first unemployment payment - 13 months and counting

I was laid off as an electrician's helper and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. It has been a long 18 weeks. I answered every question and uploaded my final pay stub.

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.