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 was very lucky to have Kevin LaPorte represent me in my disability case. Apart from being extremely professional and knowledgeable when it comes to disability laws, he was very sensitive to my particular situation, always responding promptly to my emails or phone calls and never leaving any of my questions unanswered. He was with me all the way throughout the disability hearing and even after a favorable decision was reached in my case.
Igor S.
In November 2015, after one year of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and three surgeries, I was faced with the challenge of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance. I knew I was not up to managing the complex application process. We found Kevin LaPorte, who came highly recommended. From our first meeting, Kevin and Sylvia Marichalar, were kind, supportive, and totally professional. They remained so throughout the process, guiding us through the maze of paperwork and translating the legalese. I especially appreciated Kevin’s support in preparing me for my court date in front of a judge. He accompanied me to the hearing and helped me remain calm. I received a favorable judgment and believe it is fully due to the help and support from Kevin and Sylvia.
Terrance N.
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 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.
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.
You will not find a more dedicated disability attorney
I cannot say enough great things about Terry. He has decades of specialized legal knowledge and experience in the area of disability law and it shows. In addition to his level of competence, he is such a genuine person. He regularly demonstrated how much he cares about me. One of the things I particularly appreciated is how responsive he was to my numerous inquiries. He consistently responded to me in a very timely manner, whether it was responding with an email or calling me on the phone. Attorneys often do no show this level of professionalism and so it’s refreshing to work with an attorney who does. I prevailed in my disability claim. It was not a straightforward claim, as it involves an «invisible disability.» Terry was able to present convincing arguments during my disability hearing and I could tell how experienced and confident he is in that environment. After my hearing, he would track the status of my case and keep me updated whenever there was any movement in the process. I could tell by his actions that he was dedicated to fulfilling my interests and would do whatever it took to assure I prevailed.
Jennifer
I had excellent service from LaPorte Law Firm. I highly recommend them for all your needs.
John Spooner
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
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
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 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
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.
