Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial after 4 years as a procurement assistant

My claim was denied after 17 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I am in Sacramento, in case local advice matters. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow.

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.