Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial - 17 weeks in

My claim was denied after 17 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. This is my first time dealing with any of this. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow. Should I ask someone for free legal help?

File the appeal before the deadline, even if you are unsure. You can gather documents afterwards. That is the one part I would not wait on.