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

Do You Get Cost-of-Living Increases (COLA) When You're on Disability?
Learn about cost-of-living increases that affect your monthly disability benefit amount.
Important Changes for Social Security and SSI Disability in 2027
Changes for 2027 include increases in Social Security and SSI disability benefit amounts, SSI income limits, and how much you can earn from working.
When Can My SSI or SSDI Benefits Be Taken to Pay Debts?
Can they garnish my disability check?
What Is the Difference Between Social Security Disability (SSDI) and SSI?
Both SSI and SSDI disability programs offer cash benefits for disabled individuals, but the financial eligibility requirements are very different.
What Is the Five-Month Waiting Period for Social Security Disability?
Applicants who are approved for Social Security disability lose the first five month of benefits.
Your Work History: Why It's Important for Social Security Disability
Your work history determines the requirements of your old job (and whether you can do it) and whether you have transferable skills to work at a new job.
Can I Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits at Age 64 or 65?
You can apply for disability benefits until full retirement age.
Maternity and Paternity Leave Laws in Minnesota
Minnesota employees have the right to time off for pregnancy, childbirth, or parenting under a mix of federal and state laws.
Your Right to a Reasonable Accommodation for Your Disability
Your employer must make accommodations for your disability so you can do your job.
Tax Credits and Refunds for People on Disability Benefits
If you’re disabled and receive Social Security disability benefits—either SSDI or SSI—you can qualify for certain tax credits.
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