Waiting 24 weeks on my first unemployment payment - what worked for you?

I filed my claim 24 weeks ago after being let go as a project coordinator. Any experience at all would help. I called the state line four times and only reached a recording. What would you check first?

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.