Got a denial letter for unemployment, what now? - any advice?

My claim was denied after 8 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow. Should I ask someone for free legal help?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 12 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

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.