Got a denial letter for unemployment, what now? after 8 years as an HR coordinator

My claim was denied after 17 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. It has been weighing on me all week. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow.

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.