Waiting 20 weeks on my first unemployment payment - any advice?

I filed my claim 20 weeks ago after being let go as an accountant. It has been weighing on me all week. The page shows my claim as open but no payment date.

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

When I finally got through, the agent said my employer had responded late. Once that cleared, back pay came in one payment.