Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial - 9 months and counting

I got a denial letter last week saying I left my job voluntarily, but I was let go as a line cook. Any experience at all would help. 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.