I have been navigating the unemployment process since last July due to chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis and accompanying depression and anxiety. Recently, I got an attorney who advised me to apply for unemployment benefits since there's a provision for those who are disabled and unable to meet the job search requirements. I had to leave my job because of my condition. I filled out the application and printed a form for an exception, which I took to my doctor. However, I encountered a hiccup—my primary care physician left the practice right before I applied. I spoke with the receptionists at the office about my situation and asked to make an appointment with another doctor to discuss the form. They assured me they would call to schedule an appointment. I checked the unemployment form and the Connecticut Department of Labor website for a due date but didn’t find any information, so I didn’t follow up with the office or notify the DOL about the delay. A couple of weeks later, the office finally contacted me to say the form was complete, but on the same day, I received a denial notice for my application because I hadn't submitted the form by the supposed due date. I appealed the decision since I now had the completed form proving my inability to work. I have a hearing scheduled for tomorrow afternoon over the phone, and I'm feeling anxious. I couldn't find any examples of situations similar to mine, so I'm hoping to get some insight on what to expect during the hearing. I'm particularly concerned about what the hearing will cover, given that my denial was due to the missing form, which I have now submitted. I'm also wondering what documents or information I should have ready for the hearing.