Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial - 7 months and counting

I got a denial letter last week saying I left my job voluntarily, but I was let go as a payroll clerk. There are 14 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I have not done a hearing before and I am nervous. 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.