Does severance delay my unemployment claim? after 17 years as a software tester

I was offered severance of 17 weeks after being let go as a software tester and I am unsure how it affects benefits. It has been weighing on me all week. 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.