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…
Imagine getting hurt at work. Then imagine the people supposed to help you with the complex Social Security process tell you they won’t. Thankfully, I met Mr. Kevin LaPorte, who listened and helped me. Now, I am living life and forever grateful to LaPorte Law Firm for their help, professionalism, and especially their humanity.
B.M.
LaPorte Law Firm handled my disability claim and I could not be more satisfied. I found the team to be extremely responsive, knowledgeable, and compassionate. They walked me through the process and guided me through the complexities of the administrative hearing process so that I was thoroughly prepared and knew exactly what to expect. Although I started my initial disability application on my own without representation, I realize now that the very first thing I should have done was to reach out to LaPorte Law Firm. I am deeply grateful for their assistance.
Ben Steinberg
Professional Empathetic and works with Integrity
I had the absolute pleasure to work with Terry LaPorte. He was professional, understanding, efficient and put my needs first. I would highly recommend him to anyone. I have never met a better lawyer or a better man.
Anonymous
I have known Terry LaPorte for over 20 years. When I had to have back surgery in 1998, Terry was highly recommended by a friend that Terry had also represented in a successful manner. From the moment I met Terry and his staff, I knew that I was in good hands. Within a short time, I was receiving my disability benefits. I was able to return to work five years after surgery; however, in 2017, I required Terry’s services once again, and within three to four months I was again receiving my disability benefits.
Ernie Zito
Kevin is a wonderful attorney. He helped me win my case and stuck with me through it all. I truly appreciate everything he did for me, and strongly recommend his services to anyone going through a hard time trying to obtain their benefits. He is your guy!
Shirley Etter
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
Excellent attorneys.
Kenny Juarez
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
Terry LaPorte and his team are the absolute definition of informed, compassionate representation. His years of experience and well-known ethic works within the system to the benefit of his clients. A consummate professional with a top-notch support staff, it just does not get any better. He can wade through the red tape and convoluted SSI system like a hot knife through butter. I highly recommend LaPorte Law Firm to anyone needing this type of representation. In my opinion, this is the only choice in this field of practice.
Sandy Dillon Stroppa
LaPorte Law Firm is very good at what they do. The application process for a Social Security Disability claim can be a long, complicated, and stressful experience, but LaPorte made the entire process so much easier for me. They’re the best!
Thomas Gardner
LaPorte Law Firm was wonderful to work with. They took a very stressful process and turned it into a positive experience by making me feel listened to and understood. They stood by me and were extremely supportive every step of the way. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Donna Green
Excellent experience working with Mr. LaPorte
Terry LaPorte handled my brother’s case in qualifying for Social Security benefits in 2010. He was able to obtain the benefits we were seeking. He is able to break down the complexities of the system in a way that my family could understand easily. I would recommend him to anybody that needed help with social security benefits. He goes a long way to make sure that your needs are met.
Michael
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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.
