Bethany K. Laurence

Bethany K. Laurence

Attorney · UC Law San Francisco

Bethany Laurence is a Senior Legal Editor at Nolo, where she has worked since 1997. She holds a J.D. from UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) and is a member of the California Bar. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Boston University. 

Disability law. At Nolo, Bethany edits the Social Security, Medicare, and disability content, and she is the managing editor of the DisabilitySecrets website. She also edits the books Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability; The Complete IEP Guide, and Social Security, Medicare, and Government Pensions. Bethany is a member of NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claims Representatives).

Business law. Bethany has also combined her legal and financial expertise to edit many Nolo small business books, such as LLC or Corporation and How to Form an LLC, and is the lead editor for Nolo’s online LLC and corporation services. Over the years she has co-written several business books, including Business Buyout Agreements: Plan Now for Retirement, Death, Divorce or Owner Disagreements; Save Your Small Business: 10 Crucial Strategies to Survive Hard Times or Close Down & Move On; and Bankruptcy for Small Business Owners: How to File for Chapter 7. 

Other pursuits. In addition to her work at Nolo, Bethany co-founded several educational nonprofit organizations, including River Montessori Charter School and Red Barn Montessori, and served on their boards of directors. She most recently served on the board of the Magnet Program Foundation of Hillcrest Middle School. In the past, Bethany has volunteered her time at a disability law clinic in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco.  

Originally from Rhode Island, Bethany enjoys reading and hiking in the redwoods of northern California.

Articles By Bethany K. Laurence

Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits for Progressive Bulbar Palsy?
A severe neurological disease that affects the nerves and muscles of the face and jaw, progressive bulbar palsy can qualify for disability benefits under Social Security's expedited Compassionate Allowances Program.
Rhode Island Short-Term Disability and Pregnancy
Rhode Island has a temporary disability insurance program (TDI) and a paid family leave program (TCI).
What Are My Chances of Winning a Social Security Disability Appeal?
There's really no way to know what your chances will be when you file an appeal, but your chances will generally improve.
Is Age a Factor in Social Security Disability Claims?
Your age can play a significant role in determining whether your claim for Social Security disability benefits is approved.
Can I Collect SSDI and Short-Term Disability at the Same Time?
You can apply for SSDI while on temporary or short-term disability. But you might not get the full amount.
Short-Term Disability Benefits Available From State Governments
Short-term disability benefits are not available from Social Security or elsewhere in the federal government. If you are disabled less than a year, you can't collect Social Security disability or SSI.
How to Calculate Short-Term Disability Benefits in California
In California, employees fund disability benefits for employees who are temporarily unable to work due to disability, including pregnancy.
Filing for Social Security Disability in Nevada
If you become disabled in Nevada, you can apply for Social Security disability benefits through two federal programs.
Getting Social Security Disability Based on a Medical-Vocational Allowance
If your disability doesn't meet a listing, Social Security may award you benefits based on your inability to work.
Social Security Disability Form 3368: Adult Disability Report
Learn about the disability report, a key part of your Social Security disability application.