Got severance, how does it affect benefits? after 8 years as a nurse's aide

My employer is paying severance in instalments and I am not sure whether to file now. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. 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.

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