Waiting 26 weeks on my first unemployment payment - any advice?

I was laid off as a graphic designer and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. 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.

Mine took about 26 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.