No agreement, composition, or release of damages made before the date of any disability or death resulting from occupational disease, except the agreement defined in article three of this act,¹ shall be valid or shall bar a claim for damages for such disability or death; and any such agreement other than that defined in article three herein, is declared to be against the public policy of this Commonwealth. The receipt of benefits from any association, society, or fund shall not bar the recovery of damages by action at law, nor the recovery of compensation under article three hereof; and any release executed in consideration of such benefits shall be void: Provided, however, That if the employe receives unemployment compensation benefits, such amount or amounts so received shall be credited as against the amount of the award made under the provisions of the occupational disease act.