Denied unemployment, how do I appeal? - 12 months and counting

My claim was denied after 11 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I have been trying to stay organised about it. I have not done a hearing before and I am nervous. Should I ask someone for free legal help?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 12 months ago, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

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