Layoff notice, what does the 60 days mean? - 26 weeks in

Our team was told about a closure date that is 26 weeks away. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I do not know if I should start looking now or wait for severance news. Should I stay for the bonus?

Write down key dates and keep copies of the notice. Mine helped when a question came up later.

I stayed for the retention bonus and looked for work on the side. It cushioned the gap.