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

How Obamacare Affects Social Security and People With Disabilities
One way that Obama's health care reform will help make health insurance accessible to more people is by eliminating preexisting condition exclusions.
Can I Get Disability Benefits if Agoraphobia Keeps Me From Leaving My House?
Agoraphobia can be disabling if it prevents you from working.
What Is a Dire Need Letter for Social Security Disability Claims?
With a properly attested dire need letter, Social Security can speed up a decision on your disability claim.
How Much Are SSDI Benefits in 2026? Social Security Disability Calculator
Use our disability benefits calculator to find out how much your SSDI payment could be.
How Does Social Security Choose Your Representative Payee?
Can I choose this person, or does Social Security force me to use a certain payee?
What Is a Representative Payee for Social Security Disability?
Disabled individuals who need help managing their benefits may need a representative payee.
Is SSI Eligibility for a Disabled Child Based on Parents’ Income?
Social Security counts only a portion of the income of a disabled child's parents when determining SSI eligibility.
Social Security Benefits for Children of Disabled Parents
If one or both parents in a family qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, then their dependent children who meet certain criteria may also be eligible for benefits.
When Can Widows Get Social Security Disability Benefits?
If your deceased spouse was getting Social Security disability benefits, you might be eligible for widow’s (or widower’s) benefits—depending on your age and other factors.
Social Security Disability and SSI for Depression
Learn about your chances of getting Social Security disability benefits based on depression.
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