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 You Get Disability Benefits for Cardiomyopathy?
Several types of cardiomyopathy can be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
Disability Advocates Push New Reforms for Social Security Disability
Learn about the "Stop the Wait" campaign and other reforms sought by disability advocates to make Social Security disability benefits more accessible and equitable.
What Can Increase a Disability Check?
Learn what affects the amount of monthly disability benefits.
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.
How Much Will I Get From SSI?
The amount of your monthly SSI disability check depends on whether you're married, whether you have any income, and where you live.
Does Someone on Social Security Disability Get Free Medicare?
Is Medicare free for disability recipients, or will I have to pay premiums? If so, how much?
Income Limits for SSDI Benefits
While you can have any amount of unearned income and still be eligible for SSDI, you can earn only a small amount of money through work each month.
How Much Money Will I Get If I Qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits?
The amount of disability you'll collect depends on the program (SSI or SSDI) for which you qualify.
What Are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability Benefits?
SSI provides disability benefits for low-income disabled people who don't qualify for Social Security.
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.