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

My claim was denied after 13 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 last year, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.