Testimonials
Read what our clients say about our work
Testimonials
Read what our clients say about our work
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LaPorte Law Firm has won thousands of claims and appeals for our clients
Here’s what our clients have to say…
Kevin LaPorte was instrumental in obtaining my Social Security Disability benefits. My benefits had been denied previously and I felt defeated, but Kevin was optimistic and gave me hope. Kevin and his staff were always very courteous and professional, willing to answer questions and to ease my anxiety. My daughter was my support person throughout this process and Kevin had no problem keeping us both up to date on my case. He is a very capable and caring individual who advocates aggressively for his clients. I wish Kevin continued success and recommend him highly.
Adrian Nopez
Great lawyers — straightforward and trustworthy for your Social Security needs.
Steve M.
I highly recommend LaPorte Law Firm. Terry LaPorte and his team were genuine and professional. His knowledge and responsiveness got me the exact results I was looking for. The firm also made the process extremely easy and stress free for me. I sincerely appreciate Terry’s follow-ups and willingness to answer any of my questions as time passed by. Great choice!
Daunell Salvador
If problems arise when dealing with Social Security Disability, calling LaPorte Law Firm is the best thing you can do. Professional, experienced, confident, and reassuring are a few words I’d use when recommending them.
Mitch Boo
When I was having an extremely difficult time dealing with my disability case, contacting LaPorte Law Firm was the best decision I could have made. Everyone at the firm was extremely kind and helpful in dealing with my situation. Thanks to them, I got what I needed!
Najib Nawab
Terry was extremely helpful. I only wish I had found him much sooner! I actually had another previous attorney, which I dismissed due to negligence and incompetence, but Terry restored my confidence and helped me win my case without having to appeal. Terry and his team did a great job!
Arlene R.
I have been wanting to personally thank your team, and Terry especially, for the hard work and help with my disability claim. I also got valuable suggestions from Terry about options to stay on disability while attending college. It has worked out really well and I have just finished my first semester back in school.
Greg Whitson
During the most painful and vulnerable time in one’s life, it is comforting to have LaPorte Law Firm providing security and guidance in an arena that is so stressful and confusing. It’s always done with extreme grace, calmness, and respect for those who need it most in their trying times. I can’t thank them enough for taking care of me and reminding me that people do care. I feel blessed to have found them, especially Mr. LaPorte. What a gentleman in a sea of gruffness.
Elizabeth Rafietari
Terry LaPorte is quite frankly the only disability attorney. I cannot imagine that anyone could hold a candle to him. I had been urged by many of my friends to apply for disability and kept putting it off. When I finally applied, I was turned down. A friend then recommended Terry; I called him and he immediately invited me into his office, no time wasted. Everything then fell into place. Terry is a kind, caring, and honest gentleman. He is well read in disability law and he used that knowledge to win my case. If you are in need of the best disability attorney, let me tell you something: you need Terry LaPorte!
Sylvia E.
I was very down on my luck and got an appointment set up with LaPorte Law Firm. The lawyers were straight shooters. I appreciate them being very generous with their time and preparing me for the worst-case scenario. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone serious about their court case.
Eyez V.
Emeryville, CA
Overall, my experience was great. At first, I was worried and stressed about my particular case and the complicated process, but this firm, particularly Kevin LaPorte, made it easy. He was always accessible by phone and very communicative on the details. He had prompt responses to the many questions I had and I felt very confident in the firm’s knowledge and experience in Social Security Disability law.
Preston Skeath
We were overwhelmed by the Social Security system bureaucracy and didn’t know where to turn. Thanks to the great service from Kevin and Sylvia, we quickly received a positive outcome for our disabled son.
Tim Eastman
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Begin the onboarding process with LaPorte Law Firm if your case is taken on by the legal team.
Frequently Asked Questions
SSDI is a disability insurance program financed by your Social Security paycheck deductions. Unless prohibited by your age, you must have worked a total of 10 years (40 quarters), 5 of which must be within the last 10 years (20 of the last 40 quarters). In order to be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must have earned FICA-taxed wages during this work period.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, no work time is required at all. There are, however, limits to eligibility based on how much property you own or money you have in the bank, as the SSI program is aimed at individuals who lack income or resources and are disabled. Benefits are paid as a flat rate, and the amount may be reduced if you receive any money or assistance from any source.
With both SSI and SSDI, you must be found disabled. The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees both programs and defines disability as being unable to perform any “substantial gainful activity.”
No, SSDI can be seen as a safety net. It will pay monthly benefits to you based on the amount of money that you have already paid into the system through employment taxes.
If your claim is approved upon the first attempt, the process should take just a few months. However, it should be noted that only approximately one-third of claims are approved on the first filing. As such, most applicants need to go through the appeal process to secure their benefits. If your claim is then approved after an appeal to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, delays of a year or more before benefit payment commences are also common.
Attorney’s fees are 25% of the first retroactive payment to you by the SSA; however, the fee is capped at US$7,200 regardless of the amount of money you are owed by the SSA. After November 30, 2024, the maximum attorney’s fees are capped at $9,200. There is no one-off or ongoing fee after you win your case. As the SSA can take several years to adjudicate a disability claim, disability claimants are often entitled to a large check for retroactive benefits for the period in which they were waiting for their claim to be decided. Our fees automatically come out of that first retroactive check, so our clients never have to pay us directly.
If your application is rejected on your first attempt, as is the case for many first-time applicants, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An appeal must be filed using the proper forms within 60 days of the date of the denial decision. Your chances of winning an appeal are greatly enhanced by retaining a firm that specializes in Social Security law.
The monthly amount you will receive depends on factors such as age, past earnings, and type of benefit. The law allows retroactive pay up to 12 months prior to the month of a disability application. To get a better idea of your situation, it is advisable to consult the SSA’s benefit calculator.
How it works:
- Complete the form so we can learn more about your situation.
- We will reach out within 48 hours to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney.
- If your case can be pursued, we’ll start working on it.
- We only get paid if your case is approved.
How we can help:
- Free case evaluation by an attorney
- Social Security Disability Insurance application
- Social Security Disability Insurance appeal
- Disability hearing preparation
NO FEES UNLESS YOU WIN.
At LaPorte Law Firm, we only receive a fee if you win your case – so you have nothing to lose. We’re with you every step of the way.
Award-winning service
Equipped with years of experience and thousands of successful cases, LaPorte Law Firm is the leading disability attorney in the Bay Area, and we have the awards and certifications to prove it.
