Waiting 24 weeks on my first unemployment payment after 15 years as a graphic designer

I applied for unemployment in Richmond 24 weeks ago and the status page still says pending. It has been weighing on me all week. The page shows my claim as open but no payment date. Has anyone been through this? How long did it take in the end?

Mine took about 24 weeks because of an identity check I did not notice. Look for a message or a letter you may have missed in your online account.

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