Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial - 2 months and counting

My claim was denied after 10 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow. If you have appealed before, what helped you prepare?

Legal aid offices and some workforce centres help with unemployment hearings at no cost. A call is worth it.