Got severance, how does it affect benefits? - 3 months and counting

I was offered severance of 9 weeks after being let go as a software tester and I am unsure how it affects benefits. I have a mortgage and need to plan. 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.

Some states only count certain kinds of severance. A local workforce centre could tell me which.