Got severance, how does it affect benefits? after 9 years as a welding apprentice

My employer is paying severance in instalments and I am not sure whether to file now. It has been a long 13 weeks. I also wonder about the job-search requirement. 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.

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