I've been laid off by Cisco earlier this year. The way I understand it, and you should confirm, is that while you are receiving bi-weekly paychecks, you cannot file for unemployment. But once those checks end, regardless if you sign the severance agreement, which is separate, you may then file for unemployment. I never had to file unemployment in this case, but I would think it should be after your separation day, unless you turn in decide to do an early departure. If you by chance start a new job before your separation day, you should go ahead and sign the separation agreement when you start your new job. I verified this through Cisco HR. Somewhere, we signed an agreement on this that would come into play (can't remember which one). Also, check in the clause of the pay-in-lieu if there is something called extended compensation pay, which is given whether or not you sign separation agreement. That would be in addition to the separation agreement lump Doeunderstand that Cisco varies the terms based on market conditions (how fast they think an average person can get rehired).