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. I do not usually post, so bear with me. I have a mortgage and need to plan. Did you file straight away?

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

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It made the follow-up calls so much easier.