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

My claim was denied after 3 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. 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?

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.