What are bankruptcy exemptions in New York?

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New York is   not an opt-out state   and allows the debtor to choose between state and federal exemptions, with significant geographic variation in the homestead.    1. Choice Between State and Federal   Per Debt. & Cred. Law § 285, NY debtors may elect state exemptions OR federal exemptions in 11 U.S.C. § 522(d). The choice depends on individual circumstances.    2. Homestead — CPLR § 5206   County-based, adjusted every 3 years for CPI: -   $89,975   in most counties (2024). -   $179,950   in   Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, New York (Manhattan), Bronx, Richmond (Staten Island), Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester, and Putnam Counties  .  Married couples filing jointly may double if both names on title.    3. Personal Property Exemptions — CPLR § 5205   -   Motor vehicle  :   $5,000   equity (one vehicle);   $12,500   if equipped for disabled person or under § 282(2). -   Cash/wildcard  :   $1,250   if no homestead claimed (Debt. & Cred. § 283(2)). -   Tools of trade  : $3,825. -   Household furniture, clothing, appliances  : necessary items, generally aggregate $11,975. -   Jewelry  : wedding ring + $1,250. -   Religious texts, family pictures, school books  : $625. -   Cash  : 90% of earnings within 60 days of receipt.    4. Federal Exemption Alternative — 11 U.S.C. § 522(d)   - Homestead:   $27,900   (2022; adjusted in 2025). - Wildcard:   $1,475 + up to $13,950 unused homestead  . - Motor vehicle:   $4,450  .  For NYC homeowners with $89K-$179K equity, state exemption is far better. For renters or low-equity homeowners, federal exemptions usually win because of the wildcard.    5. Wages — CPLR § 5205(d)     90%   of wages received within 60 days exempt; lesser of 25% disposable earnings or amount above 30x federal minimum wage may be garnished going forward.    6. Retirement Accounts — CPLR § 5205(c); Debt. & Cred. § 282     Fully exempt  : 401(k), 403(b), pensions, IRAs (subject to "reasonably necessary" support test for inherited IRAs —  Clark v. Rameker , 573 U.S. 122 (2014)).    7. Insurance — Insurance Law § 3212   Life insurance proceeds and cash surrender value generally exempt.    8. Public Benefits — CPLR § 5205(l), Debt. & Cred. § 282   Social Security, unemployment, workers' comp, veterans' benefits, public assistance — fully exempt.    9. Spousal/Child Support — Debt. & Cred. § 282(2)(d)   Fully exempt if "reasonably necessary."    10. Domicile Requirement     730-day rule   under 11 U.S.C. § 522(b)(3) applies.  This is legal information, not legal advice.