Got a denial letter for unemployment, what now?

My claim was denied after 23 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I am in St. Louis, in case local advice matters. My employer's version of events does not match mine, and I have emails that show it. 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.

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