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

My claim was denied after 12 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. There are 9 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I have not done a hearing before and I am nervous. If you have appealed before, what helped you prepare?

I printed my emails in order and wrote a one-page timeline. The hearing officer kept going back to it.

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.