Severance and unemployment, do they overlap? after 18 years as a project coordinator

I was offered severance of 18 weeks after being let go as a project coordinator and I am unsure how it affects benefits. The agreement mentions a release and a payment schedule. Did you file straight away?

Some states only count certain kinds of severance. A local workforce centre could tell me which.

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