Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial - what worked for you?

My claim was denied after 18 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. Any experience at all would help. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow. Should I ask someone for free legal help?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.