Layoff: Does release of claims contract include unemployment benefits?

[sterling]

I have been part of a layoff recently. The company is asking me to sign a General Release form in return for moderate additional severance pay. The General Release includes rather general language, such as "all claims arising under state or local laws," "all claims arising under federal law," etc. Would this also include filing for unemployment benefits, or is this separately protected by law? I live in Florida.

 

[buddy2bear]

File for your unemployment. Your severance should not even figure into your eligibility amount. The "release" you signed was basically only so you didn't sue the company for "discrimination, etc."