Denied unemployment, how do I appeal? after 16 years as a web developer

My claim was denied after 18 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. It has been a long 18 weeks. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow. If you have appealed before, what helped you prepare?

Stay calm and stick to facts. Mine lasted about thirty minutes and felt more like a conversation than a trial.