Aaron Hotfelder

Aaron Hotfelder

J.D., University of Missouri School of Law

Aaron Hotfelder is a legal editor at Nolo specializing in employment law and workers' compensation law. He has written for Nolo and Lawyers.com since 2011, covering topics ranging from workplace discrimination to unemployment benefits to employee privacy laws. He's a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA).    

Books and citations. Aaron has edited a number of Nolo titles, including The Manager's Legal Handbook, Dealing With Problem Employees, and Working With Independent Contractors, and is a co-author of The Employer's Legal Handbook. Aaron's work has been cited by U.S. News & World Report, TheStreet.com, the St. Louis University Law Journal, and the Minnesota Law Review, among many other outlets.

Early legal career. Prior to joining Nolo as a legal editor, Aaron worked at a small law firm in Columbia, Missouri, representing clients in Social Security disability, long-term disability, and workers’ compensation cases. He later spent three years serving as an employment law consultant for a human resources and benefits compliance firm.

Education. Aaron received his law degree in 2010 from the University of Missouri School of Law. He holds a B.S. in criminal justice from Truman State University, known by some as the "Harvard of Northeast Missouri." 

Articles By Aaron Hotfelder

Mental Illness and Social Security Disability
If you have a severe mental illness that keeps you from working full-time, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI.
Can I File a Disability Application on Behalf of My Spouse?
If your spouse is physically or mentally unable to apply for Social Security disability benefits and you wish to file on their behalf, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has rules that make that possible in certain situations.
What If a Doctor Says You’re Malingering (Faking) to Get Disability Benefits
Here's what to do if a doctor makes a notation in your medical record that you may be malingering or exaggerating to get Social Security disability benefits.
Maternity and Parental Leave and Paid Time Off for Pregnancy in California
Paid and unpaid time off is available for pregnancy and parenting in California.
When Will I Receive My Social Security Disability Backpay?
For most disability claimants, it can take many months or even years of waiting to finally be approved for Social Security disability.
How to Handle Disability Discrimination in the Workplace
If you are facing workplace discrimination because of a disability, you should take action right away.
Children With ADHD or ADD: How to Get SSI Disability Benefits
To be eligible for SSI benefits based on ADHD or ADD, a child must have severe limitations that meet strict criteria. A diagnosis by itself isn't enough.
Ten Things Employees Should Know About ERISA Disability Insurance Benefits
If you have a long-term disability (LTD) insurance policy and you're unable to work, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits to replace some of your lost income.
Reasons Why LTD Permanent Disability Can Be Canceled
If you're receiving long-term disability (LTD) benefits, keep in mind that your insurance company can terminate your monthly payments for any number of reasons.
Social Security Disability: Advice From a Disability Examiner
Here's some advice from a former claims examiner on applying for and winning your SSDI or SSI disability case.