Got severance, how does it affect benefits? after 17 years as a forklift operator

I was offered severance of 17 weeks after being let go as a forklift operator and I am unsure how it affects benefits. It has been a long 12 weeks. 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.

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