A restraining notice can freeze a judgment debtor's bank account fast, then a levy collects what's there.
A restraining notice (CPLR 5222) orders the bank not to release the debtor's funds. To actually collect, you levy through a New York City marshal or county sheriff (CPLR 5232), who must serve the exemption notices the law requires.
New York's EIPA protects a minimum bank balance and exempt funds like Social Security. Knowing which accounts hold non-exempt money (often via an information subpoena) makes the levy land.
An information subpoena to suspected banks, plus what you already know.
A restraining notice is effective for a statutory period and can be renewed; you levy to actually collect.
A baseline bank amount and exempt benefits like Social Security, under New York's Exempt Income Protection Act.