Waiting 24 weeks on my first unemployment payment - first time posting

I was laid off as a social media manager and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. 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?

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.