If I refuse to sign a "separation agreement and release" does this disqualify me from receiving UI?

On Jan 2, 2012 I was terminated but given a "Separation Agreement and Release" document that gave me the choice to work through Jan 31 to help them through this transition. If I chose to work through Jan 31, I would then receive a month's severance pay. I refused this based on the fact that I was told if I signed my status would change from TE to Voluntary Resignation, which was not the case. This termination was a complete shock; I was told "After five mths we feel you are not where you should be". I have never been reprimanded nor written up, etc. I filed for unemployment and was denied for this reason "claimant left work without good cause attributable to the employer". I have appealed this and sent them a copy of the release. I did call in on Jan 3 after being told to "let us know your decision" and told the VP of HR that I would not be able to accept their offer and I did this before I would have been due in to work. I feel this is so wrong to deny me and I just want to know if this has been heard of before and have I screwed myself by not signing and working another 31 days to train when apparently I didn't meet their expectations of a qualified HR employee. I do understand you are only giving information and nothing that I can use unless I see council. Thank you.