Denied unemployment, how do I appeal? - 23 weeks in

My claim was denied after 23 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow. Should I ask someone for free legal help?

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.

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It saved me later.