Got a denial letter for unemployment, what now? (Raleigh)

My claim was denied after 9 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow. Did you bring documents or only talk?

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

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