Got severance, how does it affect benefits? after 11 years as a line cook

I was offered severance of 11 weeks after being let go as a line cook and I am unsure how it affects benefits. I also wonder about the job-search requirement. Did you file straight away?

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

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