Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial - 19 weeks in

My claim was denied after 19 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. My employer's version of events does not match mine, and I have emails that show it. If you have appealed before, what helped you prepare?

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.