Waiting 3 weeks on my first unemployment payment

I was laid off as a line cook and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. I called the state line four times and only reached a recording.

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

Check the messages section of your claim, not just the dashboard. That is where my request for more information was hiding.