Got a denial letter for unemployment, what now?

My claim was denied after 26 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I worked as a software tester before this. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow. Did you bring documents or only talk?

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.