Waiting 21 weeks on my first unemployment payment

I was laid off as a retail manager and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. I do not usually post, so bear with me. I called the state line four times and only reached a recording. 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.