Got severance, how does it affect benefits? after 17 years as a web developer

My employer is paying severance in instalments and I am not sure whether to file now. I have been trying to stay organised about it. I also wonder about the job-search requirement. Did you file straight away?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It saved me later.

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