Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial - any advice?

My claim was denied after 16 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. This is my first time dealing with any of this. 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?

Legal aid offices and some workforce centres help with unemployment hearings at no cost. A call is worth it.

Stay calm and stick to facts. Mine lasted about thirty minutes and felt more like a conversation than a trial.