Does severance delay my unemployment claim? - 12 months and counting

I was offered severance of 18 weeks after being let go as a procurement assistant and I am unsure how it affects benefits. This is my first time dealing with any of this. I also wonder about the job-search requirement. How did your state treat it?

Before signing, I asked a friend who is a lawyer to look at the agreement. It was a short conversation and worth it.