Severance and unemployment, do they overlap? - 8 months and counting

I was offered severance of 16 weeks after being let go as a payroll clerk and I am unsure how it affects benefits. I worked as a payroll clerk before this. I have a mortgage and need to plan. Did you file straight away?

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