Today, my 4th morning of trying, I was put on hold instead of being summarily ejected, and... someone answered on the second attempt.
Not only that, but it was the person to whom my case had just been assigned (after I emailed them to apply on 1 October). She took all the info she needed. I need to send them my birth certificate. Other than that, she tells me, I should get my first, back-dated, payment in a few months.