Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial - first time posting

My claim was denied after 18 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. There are 7 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I have not done a hearing before and I am nervous. 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.

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