I'm in a similar boat and was worried about this too. From what I've researched, the NYS Department of Labor website actually has a section on "other income" that mentions selling personal property usually doesn't count as wages if it's stuff you already owned. The tricky part is they want you to report ANY income over $405 per week, but selling your own belongings typically falls under "liquidating assets" not "earning income." I'd suggest keeping receipts showing what you originally paid for items if you have them, just to prove you're not making a profit. Also maybe don't sell everything at once - spread it out over a few weeks to avoid any red flags.

I went through this exact situation a few months ago! Sold my old gaming console, some books, and kitchen appliances I wasn't using. The key thing I learned is that NYS considers it "liquidating personal assets" rather than income as long as you're selling items you already owned before filing for unemployment. I kept a simple list of what I sold and roughly what I originally paid for each item (didn't need exact receipts for everything). The $200-300 range you're talking about shouldn't be an issue at all - I sold about $400 worth of stuff over 2 months with no problems. Just avoid making it look like a regular business activity and you should be fine. The stress of worrying about it was way worse than actually doing it!

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the stress of job searching after benefits expire is overwhelming, and it's clear from this thread that so many people are facing the same challenge. One resource I haven't seen mentioned yet is the New York State Wage Theft Prevention Act hotline and related worker assistance programs. Even if you're not dealing with wage theft specifically, they often have information about other state assistance programs that aren't well-advertised. Also, if you're open to contract or freelance work while searching, check out sites like Upwork or Fiverr for remote opportunities in your field. It's not ideal, but it can provide some income and help fill employment gaps on your resume. I've seen people build up enough freelance clients to bridge the gap until they find permanent work. Another angle - reach out to your college alumni network if you have one. Many schools have dedicated job placement assistance for alumni regardless of how long you've been out of school. Some even have emergency assistance funds for alumni facing financial hardship. The fact that you're being so proactive and making a concrete action plan shows incredible resilience. This job market is brutal but temporary. Keep pushing forward - you've got this!

I'm in almost the exact same situation - my NY benefits ran out in late August and I'm still struggling to find work despite applying everywhere. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening and honestly the first time I've felt hopeful in weeks. I had no idea about so many of these programs like the 599 Training Program, Individual Training Accounts, or even that libraries have career centers. I've been doing the same thing as everyone else - just endlessly applying online and getting nowhere. What really resonates with me is the advice about changing strategies completely. I think I've been stuck in the "spray and pray" approach of just submitting applications, but the networking and direct outreach suggestions make so much sense. I'm definitely going to start with my local Career Center this week and look into the Claimyr service to actually get through to someone at NYSDOL. The temp agency strategy also seems smart - I've been holding out for permanent positions but some income is definitely better than none at this point. Thank you to everyone sharing their experiences and resources. It's both comforting and motivating to know others have navigated this successfully. The mental health aspect is so real - some days I barely want to get out of bed, but this thread gives me a concrete action plan to work with. Zoe, I hope some of these resources work out for you. Please keep us posted on how it goes!

Ruby, definitely contact NYS DOL as soon as possible to set up a payment plan before tax season. I went through this exact situation two years ago with a $3,200 overpayment. They did take my state refund, but only after I ignored their notices for months. If you're proactive about calling them and explaining your financial situation, they're usually willing to work with you on monthly payments as low as $50-100. Just make sure to get any agreement in writing. The key is reaching out before they automatically offset your refund.

I went through something similar last year with a $1,900 overpayment. What really helped me was calling first thing in the morning right when they opened - I had better luck getting through then. When I finally connected with someone, they were actually pretty understanding about setting up a payment plan. I ended up paying $75 a month instead of losing my entire refund. The agent told me that as long as I made my payments on time, they wouldn't touch my tax refund. Just make sure to call before you file your taxes because once the refund process starts, it's harder to stop the offset.

I'm in almost the exact same situation and just wanted to let you know you're not alone in this struggle! My benefits also ended after 26 weeks but my benefit year doesn't end until October. It's such a cruel system design - like they want to make people suffer during that gap period. I've been researching every possible option and here's what I've found that might help: definitely apply for SNAP benefits ASAP (the application is actually pretty straightforward), look into local emergency rental assistance through your county's social services, and consider the 599 training program if you're willing to learn new skills. I also started doing some freelance bookkeeping through online platforms which has helped bring in a little money while I continue job searching. The uncertainty is terrifying but we just have to take it one day at a time. Hang in there - we'll both get through this!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the NY unemployment system really is designed to be as confusing as possible! Just went through this myself a few months back and can confirm what others are saying: you absolutely cannot file a new claim until your benefit year ends in September. The 26 weeks vs 12 month benefit year distinction trips up everyone. While you're waiting, definitely prioritize SNAP benefits - I got approved in about 2 weeks and it was a huge relief for grocery costs. Also call 211 for local emergency assistance programs, many have one-time rent help available. Since you're in accounting, check out Robert Half or other finance-focused temp agencies - they often have short-term assignments that can help bridge this gap period. The job market is brutal right now but don't lose hope. I applied to probably 250+ positions over 6 months before landing something. It's exhausting but something will eventually stick. You've got solid experience in accounting which is always in demand, even if it doesn't feel like it right now. This gap period is awful but it's temporary - you'll make it through! Keep us updated on how the assistance applications go.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - filed my claim 18 days ago after being laid off and still waiting for that determination letter. The "under review" status is driving me crazy! I've been checking my.ny.gov multiple times a day hoping to see some update. Reading through everyone's experiences here is actually really helpful though. It sounds like 2-4 weeks is pretty normal, especially if there are no complications with your claim. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to panic yet. The layoff situation should work in your favor since it's not a voluntary quit. I'm trying to remind myself that no news isn't necessarily bad news - they're probably just working through a backlog. Hang in there!

I went through this same process about 6 months ago and I know exactly how stressful that waiting period is! Mine took about 3 weeks to arrive, which seemed to be pretty typical for straightforward layoff cases. Since you mentioned you were laid off, that should definitely work in your favor - those claims generally process smoother than voluntary quits or terminations for cause. One thing that helped me manage the anxiety was setting up a simple spreadsheet to track my essential expenses and figure out exactly how long I could stretch my savings if needed. It gave me a clearer picture of my financial runway and helped reduce some of the panic. Also, make sure you're continuing to certify for benefits each week even while waiting for the determination - that way you won't miss any payments once it's approved. The waiting is brutal but you're still within the normal timeframe!