Does severance delay my unemployment claim?

My employer is paying severance in instalments and I am not sure whether to file now. I worked as a copywriter before this. The agreement mentions a release and a payment schedule. How did your state treat it?

Rules differ by state. I called the claims line and asked directly, then wrote down the answer and the date.

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