Got a denial letter for unemployment, what now? - what worked for you?

My claim was denied after 26 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I do not usually post, so bear with me. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow. If you have appealed before, what helped you prepare?

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

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.