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 Functional Limitations Affect Your Disability Claim
Your functional limitations are the most important evidence for Social Security disability.
Filing for Disability in Texas: Social Security and SSI
The disability approval rates in Texas for Social Security and SSI disability benefits are not as high as the national average.
The QDWI Program: How Disabled Workers Can Keep Medicare When They Return to Work
If you start making too much money to get SSDI, you can remain eligible for free Medicare Part A through the QDWI program.
Filing for Social Security Disability in Montana
If you live in Montana and can’t work for at least a year, you could be eligible for Social Security disability or SSI benefits.
Appealing a Denied Short-Term Disability Claim
If your claim for short-term disability benefits is denied, you have the right to appeal -- but you must carefully follow all the rules and requirements.
Does a Spouse's Income Affect My Disability Benefits?
Your husband or wife's income can affect SSI disability benefits, but not Social Security disability benefits.
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.
How In-Kind Income and Support Affects Your SSI Payment in 2026
Social Security counts free shelter as income, which can affect your SSI disability payment.
Does SSI or Disability Help Pay Rent, Utilities, or Heating Costs?
While Social Security Disability does not offer specific aid for utilities or rent, you can use your benefit payments for whatever you choose.
How Are Payment Dates Chosen for SSDI and SSI?
When your disability check comes can depend on the type of benefit (SSDI or SSI) you receive and your birthday.
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