Got severance, how does it affect benefits? after 8 years as a teaching assistant

I was offered severance of 8 weeks after being let go as a teaching assistant and I am unsure how it affects benefits. It has been a long 4 weeks. The agreement mentions a release and a payment schedule. Who should I ask before signing?

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