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…
Terry has been assisting me with my SSI trial. I very much value and appreciate his time. I am grateful to have him helping me, as I feel confident in his abilities.
Holly M.
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
Kevin LaPorte is outstanding! He is the best attorney for Social Security, and I cannot recommend him enough. I had a tough case, but Kevin successfully tackled every problem related to my case. With his professionalism, knowledge, thoroughness, and experience working with the Oakland judges, he won this tough case. I obtained a fully favorable decision with back pay going back three years. Wow!
After interviewing multiple attorneys, I chose Kevin because of his professionalism, expertise, commitment, and his willingness to prepare me as much as I needed until I felt very comfortable and very confident to appear before the judge. No other attorney was willing to put in that extra effort or study my medical records as carefully as Kevin. It’s rare to find an advocate as dedicated to clients as him as well as someone who has experience with the local judges, which is very important, as you don’t want an attorney going in blind. Go ahead and interview a few attorneys; I’m sure you will reach the same conclusion: Kevin is the best.
V.N.
I was Lucky to find Kevin LaPorte for my Social Security needs. I knew I would not be able to continue working with my health issues, so I made an appointment with him. He is a very nice guy, honest and straight to the point. I would recommend him to anyone needing help and can’t work any longer. Kevin is the guy to go to, because he is an honest, standup guy who will fight for you.
Bill R.
Kevin and Sylvia were extremely supportive, professional, and courteous throughout the entire appeals process. Kevin is not an overly aggressive attorney, but he is very experienced and knowledgeable about the process, and I believe that is why he wins favorable outcomes. He prepared me for the very long and invasive appeals process. He answered all of my questions and gave me very good advice on how to answer all of the judge’s questions. I would highly recommend LaPorte Law Firm to anyone who needs a knowledgeable, professional, and supportive attorney to help with Social Security Disability.
Cedric Strickland
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
Terry LaPorte is the person you want in your corner, representing you, fighting for you, and helping you navigate the SSDI system. I could not be happier, as Terry was wonderful to work with. He was always very professional, polite, courteous, extremely patient, and always taking the time to answer all of my questions in a timely manner and never making me feel like he was rushed or that I was asking a stupid question. He set reasonable expectations and never left me feeling like I was going through the process alone, as I had been prior to calling his office.
I chose him over the countless other options available, because out of the four offices I called, his staff was the friendliest and Terry called me back himself the very next day to discuss everything prior to me making any commitment. He was the only lawyer that called personally and in less than 24 hours. All of the other places wanted me to do the same endless paperwork and submit it to be reviewed to see if I was worthy of scheduling a call with their lawyer several days or a week later. When you are in a very time-sensitive situation, that is a terrible system. But it seemed to be the standard everywhere else. After spending about 30 minutes with him on the phone, I knew he was the lawyer for me; we agreed it was a good fit and then did the paperwork. He always put my needs first and delivered what I had given up on. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with LaPorte Law Firm, so I will just say thank you!
Darren Anderson
Mr. LaPorte handled a case for me and did a superb job. He made the process straightforward and easy for me to understand, and everything was handled in a professional manner.
Cory Brown
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
Terry is the guy to go to for SSDI! He is very thorough, kind, and efficient. He really knows how to get things done! I was approved within months, when it usually takes years.
Christina Loza
Excellent attorneys.
Kenny Juarez
Terry LaPorte took on my case after another Social Security attorney flat-out told me her firm would not take it on because it was ‘unwinnable.’ With Terry’s help, my case was won after a six-year battle. My right as a worthy disabled person was not only validated but proven without a doubt.
Julie S.
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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.
