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

My claim was denied after 24 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.

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.

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.