Got severance, how does it affect benefits?

My employer is paying severance in instalments and I am not sure whether to file now. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I have a mortgage and need to plan. Who should I ask before signing?

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

I filed on day one anyway and reported the severance honestly. The agency decided what to do about the timing.