Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial after 9 years as an IT help-desk technician

My claim was denied after 5 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. It has been a long 5 weeks. I have not done a hearing before and I am nervous. Did you bring documents or only talk?

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.