Waiting 25 weeks on my first unemployment payment - what worked for you?

I was laid off as a nurse's aide and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. It has been a long 25 weeks. The page shows my claim as open but no payment date. Is there a step I could have missed?

Mine took about 25 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.