Got severance, how does it affect benefits? after 6 years as an electrician's helper

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. The agreement mentions a release and a payment schedule. 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.

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