Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial (update)

My claim was denied after 26 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow.

I printed my emails in order and wrote a one-page timeline. The hearing officer kept going back to it.

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.