Waiting 26 weeks on my first unemployment payment

I was laid off as a teaching assistant and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. This is my first time dealing with any of this. 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?

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