Got severance, how does it affect benefits? - what worked for you?

My employer is paying severance in instalments and I am not sure whether to file now. This is my first time dealing with any of this. 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.

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