Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial after 16 years as a retail manager

I was told my separation was for misconduct, which is not what happened. There are 16 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow. If you have appealed before, what helped you prepare?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.