Attorneys for Social Security Disability Insurance

Get all the facts about SSDI and how the experienced Social Security attorneys at LaPorte Law Firm can help you with it.

What is SSDI?

Managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal insurance program designed to provide monthly benefits to people who are unable to work due to a disability.

If you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for 5 out of the last 10 years and are now completely disabled due to illness or injury, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. To do so, you must be able to prove to the SSA that you cannot perform your former job or any other type of work now that you are disabled. In addition, your condition must also be expected to last for at least 12 months.

To calculate your SSDI benefit amount, the SSA uses a formula based on your average lifetime earnings and the total number of years you have worked. If you have a family, you could receive additional benefits of up to 50% of your own monthly benefit amount.

We can help you obtain your Social Security Disability benefits

When making a decision on an SSDI case, the SSA carefully considers all the information about the case to ensure that any action it takes that will affect your eligibility or benefit amount is correct. In the event that your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision and request the SSA to look at your case again. If you request an appeal, the SSA will then reconsider the entire decision, even the facts that were in your favor.

When it comes to making a successful SSDI claim, being well prepared and having your paperwork in order is imperative. At LaPorte Law Firm, we understand how challenging applying for SSDI benefits can be. But, with our decades of experience and having successfully obtained benefits for thousands of clients in SSDI claims and appeals, we know what it takes to get our clients the benefits they deserve. We take on cases at all stages, from the initial application to the highest level of appeal, so wherever you are in your journey to obtaining your Social Security Disability benefits, LaPorte Law Firm is here to help.

Disabling conditions that can make you eligible for SSDI benefits include but are not limited to the following:

Musculoskeletal disorders
Special senses and speech impairment
Respiratory disorders
Cardiovascular system conditions
Digestive system disorders
Hematological disorders
Skin disorders

Endocrine disorders
Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
Neurological disorders
Mental disorders
Cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases)
Immune system disorders

For the full list of disabling conditions, you can refer to the SSA website here.

Not sure if you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?

Take our free SSDI eligibility quiz to find out.

You are not alone.
We are here to help.

At LaPorte Law Firm, we are committed to fighting for our clients to get them through some of the toughest times of their lives. We understand how difficult it can be to navigate a very complex administrative system when you have limited technical knowledge. However, with our expertise as the leading disability attorneys in the Bay Area of California for over 40 years, we have what it takes to guide you every step of the way.

Although positive outcomes for Social Security Disability claims and appeals may seem out of reach for many, we know that with the right guidance and knowledge of the system, success is more than possible for any of our clients. No case is too big or too small for us. When you choose us, we’ll be fighting alongside you every step of the way.

The results you deserve

With over 40 years of service, LaPorte Law Firm has won thousands of claims and appeals for our clients.

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.

Terry went above and beyond to get my brother approved for his Social Security benefits — jumping through many hoops in what should have been an easy process that was complicated by the unusual circumstances of the case. He fought through red tape and managed to get a successful outcome. His integrity and work ethic are fantastic!

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.

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:

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Social Security define disability?

Disability is defined by Social Security law as “the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”

Can I win a disability case if I am young?

Many people under the age of 50 mistakenly believe that it is impossible for them to win a Social Security Disability claim. However, if you have a severe physical or mental condition that prevents you from performing basic work activities for one year or longer, you may be eligible for benefits regardless of your age.

Am I allowed to work if I am applying for Social Security benefits?

You may be able to file for disability benefits if you are still working, but only if your monthly gross earned income is below the annual substantial gainful activity (SGA) level for that year. For example, in 2021, the SGA level was $1,310 in gross monthly earnings, so a person earning less than this amount per month that year could have applied for benefits. It should be noted that the SGA level is $1,350 gross earnings for 2022.

Can I work after I begin receiving my benefits?

When your benefits begin, the SSA will inform you of your duty to report future work income, as it could have an effect on your benefits. As a disability beneficiary, you are entitled to a Trial Work Period where you can test your ability to work while receiving disability benefits. The amount of income you earn during your Trial Work Period and the length of your work may impact your benefit. Read our blog post on the Trial Work Period for more information.

Can I receive SSDI if I have money and assets?

SSDI benefits are not based on financial need, so your assets and passive, unearned income do not impact eligibility. As long as you have earned the minimum number of quarters required and the SSA determines that you are totally disabled, you are eligible.

If I can’t afford a doctor, how can I prove my medical condition?

Medical reports are critical in proving your disability. While you can ask that the SSA provide doctors for “consultative exams, the reports from a treating physician are preferable. If you cannot afford a doctor, you may be able to obtain treatment through a hospital clinic or county health services. If you do not know how to find these services in your area, contact us and we will try to assist in any way we can.

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.