Waiting 21 weeks on my first unemployment payment

I was laid off as a graphic designer and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. I am in Boise, in case local advice matters. 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.

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