Testimonials
Read what our clients say about our work
Testimonials
Read what our clients say about our work
Webinars and Ebooks
Watch professionals guide you through the disability application or appeal journey.
Read the tips and tricks of disability attorneys to maximize your chances.
LaPorte Law Firm has won thousands of claims and appeals for our clients
Here’s what our clients have to say…
I don’t think I would have won my case without Terry LaPorte. It took four years for my case to be approved, but my stress level was immediately lowered as soon as I turned my case over to him. I found Terry to be professional, straightforward, and honest. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in disability law. The first time we met, I asked him if he thought I’d win my case, to which he responded that he didn’t take cases unless he thought he could win. I appreciate his tenacity and highly recommend him as an attorney. He is the lawyer you want representing you.
Madge W.
If you want someone who understands the red tape of the government and can fight the law honorably and with integrity, then you must contact Terry LaPorte. His entire team has been outstanding. Anytime I needed help and called the office, every person I dealt with was exceptional, from the receptionist and paralegal to the lawyers. They all truly cared about me and I wasn’t just another case number. You don’t see this type of customer service much anymore, and I would highly recommend Terry LaPorte and his entire team.
Kimberley Womack
Terry LaPorte is the best. When I was looking for a referral, every knowledgeable attorney referred me to Terry (and only Terry). He worked hard for me, was an excellent advocate, and I completely trust his judgment. He is a kind and decent man, too. I’m grateful I found him.
Sam H.
Terry is an expert in disability law. He has been practicing disability law for several years and has successfully handled thousands of cases. He is a very kind, caring, and intelligent man who has dedicated his career to helping the disabled, which I admire greatly. I truly respect and trust him as an individual and as an attorney.
Elena W.
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
If you want someone who knows the law and can get through the red tape of the government with absolute honesty and the highest level of integrity, then contact Terry LaPorte. I have never been so impressed with a team. From the receptionist and paralegals to the lawyers, everyone I dealt with was able to help me, answer all my questions, and leave me feeling empowered and knowledgeable. I was denied three times previously. Then, when I was being represented by Terry, after the judge heard the complete truth, my case was approved in 10 minutes. I thank Terry LaPorte and his team for helping me through a stressful time.
Kim W.
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
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.
Wow! I am so impressed with Mr. LaPorte. He is the kind of man you hope for when you need a lawyer. I did a fair amount of research on Bay Area lawyers who handle disability and found that most firms don’t want to take your case until it’s time for an appeal, because they make more money that way. But that is not in your best interest. I went to Terry before starting my SSDI application. He took my case, did all the upfront work, and I was approved in three months. I seriously doubt that I would have had such a great result if Terry was not in my corner. He is clearly about helping people, and not just making money. I am so grateful to him.
Keith C.
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.
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
I was referred to LaPorte Law Firm several years ago by another lawyer who was not able to help me with my case. After meeting Terry LaPorte, I understood why he had been recommended. From the very first visit, he showed a genuine interest in who I am as an individual and was compassionate in helping me accomplish what I needed. Terry is a good listener and made me feel immediately comfortable. His knowledge of his business and the laws and regulations surrounding it gave me the confidence that I was at the right place. The process turned out to be very timely, made things incredibly easy for me, and was a great success. What I still find gratifying is that years later, if I have a question, I can call Terry, and his willingness to help is just as awesome as it was the day I hired LaPorte Law Firm.
Daunell S.
Tired of going it alone?
Get the assistance you need in three easy steps.
Free consultation call
Book a free 30- to 60-minute consultation call with us so we can assess your situation.
Evaluation by experts
Receive your free case evaluation from our experienced team, who can review your medical history and discuss how Social Security law applies to your situation.
Get started
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.
