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

Getting Disability Benefits for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Previously referred to as Marie-Strumpells spondylitis, poker back, and rheumatoid spondylitis, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a term that few people will have heard of unless they've been diagnosed with the condition.
SSDI Dependent Benefits: Social Security Benefits for Family Members
If you've been approved for Social Security disability benefits, dependents who rely on your income may also qualify for benefits.
Does Social Security Disability Offer Housing Assistance?
If you're unable to work because of a disability, it might be tough to find affordable housing. Learn about some government programs that can help.
Taking FMLA Leave for Pregnancy and Childbirth
The FMLA's family medical leave rules let you take time off during pregnancy and childbirth without losing your job.
New York Maternity Leave and Parental Leave Rights
New York law provides disability benefits for pregnant workers, and the state's paid family leave law provides benefits for new mothers and fathers.
Getting Social Security Disability or SSI for Stroke
If you have trouble communicating or controlling the use of your arms or legs due to stroke, you can probably get disability benefits.
Do You Have to Be a Citizen to Get Social Security Disability?
Immigrants who are permanent residents or lawfully present foreign workers and have paid taxes into the Social Security system are often eligible for disability benefits.
Can You Get Social Security Disability for OCD?
If obsessive compulsive disorder disrupts your ability to work, you may be able to get disability benefits from Social Security.
How to Change Your Address With Social Security
In general, moving should not affect your Social Security disability claim. There are some exceptions, though.
If I'm Approved for SSI, Will I Be Able to Get Food Stamps?
Food stamps are available through a separate program called SNAP.
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