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 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.

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 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!

I'm also going through this same situation - my benefits are ending in about 2 weeks after 22 weeks of job searching and I was really starting to worry about what options I had left. This thread has been absolutely incredible and way more helpful than anything I could find through official channels! I had no idea about most of these resources like the One-Stop Career Centers, the 211 helpline, or that you can apply for Extended Benefits even when they're not active just to get on file. The library resources that Fatima mentioned are such a great addition too - I never thought to check what career services my local library might offer. I'm definitely going to start with calling 211 tomorrow and applying for EB, then reach out to both the workforce development center and my library to see what support they can provide. The utility hardship program tip is really practical too since I'm already worried about keeping up with bills once my benefits stop. It's honestly so reassuring to find this community and realize there are still multiple safety nets and resources available even when regular unemployment runs out. Reading everyone's experiences makes me feel so much less alone in this situation. The job market is really tough right now but seeing how supportive everyone is here and how many different options there are to explore gives me hope that we can all get through this transition together. Thank you everyone for sharing such detailed and actionable advice!

I'm also in this exact same situation - my benefits are ending in just 6 days after 20 weeks of searching and I was honestly starting to panic until I found this amazing thread! Like everyone else has said, this has been way more helpful than any official government resource I've tried to navigate. I had no idea about most of these options like the One-Stop Career Centers, TAA benefits, or applying for EB even when it's not active just to get on file. The library career services tip is fantastic too - I never thought to check what my local library might offer beyond basic computer access. I'm definitely going to call 211 first thing tomorrow and apply for EB, then reach out to both the workforce development center and library to see what support they can provide. The utility hardship program advice is really practical since I'm already stressed about covering bills once my benefits stop. It's honestly such a relief to find this supportive community and realize there are still multiple safety nets available even when regular UI runs out. The job market feels absolutely brutal right now but reading everyone's experiences and seeing how you're all helping each other navigate this gives me real hope. Thank you all for sharing such detailed, actionable advice and creating this incredible resource for people in our situation - you're literally helping us get through one of the most stressful times possible!