Waiting 4 weeks on my first unemployment payment

I was laid off as a data-entry clerk and filed right away, and I have been certifying every week. I called the state line four times and only reached a recording. What would you check first?

When I finally got through, the agent said my employer had responded late. Once that cleared, back pay came in one payment.

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