Does severance delay my unemployment claim? after 7 years as an electrician's helper

I was offered severance of 7 weeks after being let go as an electrician's helper and I am unsure how it affects benefits. It has been a long 6 weeks. I also wonder about the job-search requirement. Did you file straight away?

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