Testimonials
Read what our clients say about our work
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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…
I am so grateful to LaPorte Law Firm for the expertise, guidance, and professionalism with which they handled my claim, helping me get the most positive outcome I could possibly hope for! The system seemed daunting and overwhelming to me at the beginning, but Terry LaPorte took the time to talk through the details of my case on several occasions before we started and helped familiarize me with the process.
Elena Cahalan
LaPorte Law Firm has helped me, my family, and my friends. They work very hard to help their clients, they are very friendly and knowledgeable, and they truly care. I have been very pleased with them and have recommended my friends and family to call Kevin LaPorte. I have recommended the LaPorte Law Firm to six of my friends, and they are all very happy with the results of their cases.
Harry D.
I can’t recommend LaPorte Law Firm highly enough. After four long years, two denials, and finally a hearing, I was awarded disability benefits thanks to their dedication and expertise. My case was complex and required constant record updates, but attorney Kevin LaPorte and legal assistant Sylvia Marichalar guided me every step of the way. They always responded quickly, eased my worries, and gave me confidence to keep going through an overwhelming process.
When it came time for my hearing, Kevin’s preparation and deep experience made all the difference. He helped me know what to expect and supported me in presenting my case clearly and confidently. Even after I received a favorable decision, Kevin took the time to explain what it meant for my future.
I’ve since referred friends to LaPorte Law Firm in Oakland because they are truly a beacon of hope for people navigating the Social Security Disability process. They combine professionalism, compassion, and genuine care for their clients — qualities that mean everything when you’re facing one of life’s most uncertain moments.
Rachel Newell
LaPorte Law Firm is awesome. They stood by me until my case was finished and we got what was owed to me. I can’t thank them enough. I would totally recommend them to anyone in need.
Sue Sarno
Best Attorney and staff I ever met !
Terry Laporte and his staff were incredibly professional in handling my SSDI case from beginning to the end. Even after winning my case Terry called me personally to follow up on any issues or questions I had. I will continue to give referrals to Terry and his awesome staff. Terry thanks again for helping other people and myself for a better future.
Jeff
My spouse was entering into the scary world of disability and we needed guidance. Kevin LaPorte and Sylvia Marichalar were patient, understanding, and helped us through the red tape of Social Security the first time around when most are denied. No stress, no fuss, just straightforward professionals with a heart.
Ben C.
Excellent free consultation. The firm carefully studied my case, and I won! I was only charged after winning and didn’t have to pay out of pocket, because the fee was taken out of my disability payment. The only downside was the wait for my hearing, but that’s more on the SSA side. It took about 18 months.
Walt E.
Terry was very helpful with any questions I had and filed all the paperwork required for the appeal. He called me a few days before the court hearing and made sure I had all my questions answered. From the get-go, he was very helpful and friendly, and that is hard to find in a lawyer.
The judge for my case was very tough; however, we were very prepared, which helped a lot. I was getting a lot of push back because of my age; however, I sustained many injuries during my time in the Marine Corps. After the hearing, we weren’t sure how it went because the judge was very tough and hard to read, but a few weeks later, I found out we won our case.
The reason we won is Terry. He made sure everything was well prepared and made sure I knew how to answer the questions that were asked of me correctly. Terry instilled confidence in me months before our court date; his experience and knowledge is the reason we won.
Although I wasn’t sure if hiring a lawyer would be the best thing to do, I’m glad I did, because Terry made the whole process very pleasant. Now I do not have to worry as much anymore, and I am enjoying my life with my family thanks to him!
Panda M.
I was referred to Mr. LaPorte when Social Security declined my disability claim. His staff were very patient and courteous. Mr. LaPorte explained the process for filing an appeal thoroughly, including how long it could take, and didn’t sugarcoat things. I truly appreciated this, because I prefer to be prepared, rather than be disappointed. Fortunately, I was approved, and I am confident that this is due to Mr. LaPorte’s handling of my case.
Patricia G.
I came to California after filing for disability and being denied in another state. I was then denied twice in California as well, before being referred to Terry LaPorte. He is great — easy-going but very intelligent. I have to admit, after being turned down over three times, I had my doubts. I was on mental health medication and just couldn’t deal with things anymore. Many days, I could not even manage to take a shower. It was grim. It is difficult to make it in California with no money and no place to live. I don’t know what I would have done had I been denied again. It seemed like there was no way out of my situation, but I am forever grateful for Terry believing in me and going to bat for me. I feel like I can live a little now. Thanks, Terry!
Gina S.
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
Our experience with La Porte Law Firm was, first and foremost, respectful and very humanitarian. As a lawyer, Mr. LaPorte always kept the goal in mind and worked very hard to have all the relevant information. He reviewed every single record, and we felt very good having him represent our son. We are most grateful to have had a positive outcome since the Social Security rules are so strict.
Gloria Carballo
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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.
