Social Security Disability representation for trade union workers

For more than 40 years, we have been helping American workers get the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve

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Are you a Union member worker who:

Are you struggling with the following ?

I am not sure if I qualify for disability benefits

I do not know how to apply for Social Security Disability

I have difficulties locating my medical records

I do not feel confident attending a disability hearing on my own

How can I afford an attorney when I’m not working? What are the fees involved?

Since 1982

The most experienced law firm in the Bay Area for Social Security Disability claims, leading with integrity and compassion

How LaPorte Law Firm can help you

At LaPorte Law Firm, we understand the complexities of applying for SSDI veterans’ disability benefits. That's why we provide comprehensive SSDI legal services to help you navigate the system with ease. Our experienced SSDI lawyers for veterans can significantly increase your chances of success, saving you time and stress.

Our attorneys will guide you through every step of the process, including benefit applications and court representation, ensuring that you have the best possible case. With a 100% VA disability rating, we can expedite your case and guarantee the fastest possible hearing. Moreover, we can help you receive both VA disability and Social Security Disability benefits simultaneously, which can make a significant difference for any veteran.

As leaders in SSDI for veterans, we know the VA hospitals all over the Bay Area and can help you obtain your medical records, making it easier for you to build a solid case. Don't let the daunting process of applying for disability benefits hold you back. Contact us today and let us help you obtain the benefits you rightfully deserve as a veteran.

Labor Unions in the Bay Area

The bureau of labor statistics estimates that union members account for about 15 percent of wage and salary workers in California overall.
The greater San Francisco metro area is home to 735 unions and employment organizations, serving cities such as San Francisco, Berkeley, Livermore, Oakland, Pleasanton, Redwood City, San Mateo, San Rafael, San Ramon, South San Francisco, and Walnut Creek. Collectively, these organizations employ 13,260 people, generate over $2 billion in annual revenue, and hold assets totaling $4 billion.
Union membership in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles Metro Area is more varied than in California as a whole. The state also has higher union density compared to the national average, thanks to a strong public sector presence and the increasing unionization in health care and other smaller industries. According to the study, the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley region alone has 295,446 union members.
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The San Francisco Salesforce Tower was built by 100 percent union labor
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The Golden Gate Bridge was also built entirely by union labor
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The Port of Oakland uses International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and SEIU local labor to operate

SSDI and Union Membership

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Does Union Membership Affect Social Security Disability Benefits?

Union members, particularly those in physically demanding jobs, face a higher risk of injury or impairment due to the nature of their work. Exposure to heavy labor, dangerous equipment, and hazardous environments can increase the likelihood of physical disabilities.
If you’re a union member, you may have access to long-term disability benefits through your union or employer’s private insurance. At the same time, you could also qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
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If You’ve Paid Into Social Security, You’re Entitled to Benefits

If you’ve contributed a portion of your paycheck toward Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and earned sufficient work credits, you have a legal right to claim those benefits. Your union may also provide valuable support, offering guidance and referrals to trusted attorneys to assist with the process.
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SSI vs. SSDI

While receiving a union pension won’t impact your SSDI benefits, it could affect your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This is because SSI has resource limitations that could be influenced by additional income sources like a pension.
A free consultation with one of our SSDI expert attorney will help assess your situation and eligibility.

What you can expect as one of our clients

Expert guidance by a qualified attorney experienced with SSDI cases as the first point of contact — no more speaking to legal secretaries and admin staff

Honest legal opinions on the chances for success, based on over 40 years of experience

Not a single dollar paid upfront, as payment is dependent on winning the case

Updates on the process every step of the way

Realistic expectations — no empty promises

Prompt responses to all questions — we won’t leave you hanging

The results you deserve

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

I would recommend LaPorte Law Firm to anyone to help you through the Social Security Disability process. They are very helpful and professional.

Michael Mcnulty

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

Superb representation from Mr. Terry LaPorte. He is professional, brilliant, respectful, and a very kind human being. He is experienced and answers your questions patiently. He explains things in simple terms, making the confusing and complex disability process much easier to understand. His staff, including Maria, are helpful and offer outstanding service. Mr. LaPorte’s law firm is the best.

Reyna R.

Meet our attorneys

Our team of ethical, professional, and dedicated lawyers are the cornerstone of our success.

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Terry LaPorte

Attorney

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Kevin LaPorte

Attorney

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Kelsey LaPorte

Attorney

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Maria Miranda-Hammon

Legal Representative

You may also want to know more about:

SSDI Applications and Appeals

The SSDI appeals process

Our fees

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Terry LaPorte

Attorney

Since receiving his JD from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1979, Terry LaPorte has dedicated his legal career to representing individuals in Social Security Disability claims and appeals. In 1982, he established the LaPorte Law Firm in Northern California, specializing in Social Security Disability law. For over 40 years, Terry and the LaPorte Law Firm team have successfully represented thousands of clients in California and the Western States.

Throughout his career, Terry has continued to develop his expertise in various ways, such as attaining the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification and serving on the Board of Examiners of the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is also a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, a provider attorney to the American Association of Retired Persons, and a seven-time Chair of the Social Security section of the Santa Clara County Bar Association. In addition, he has served as a lecturer on disability law for the Continuing Education Program of the California Bar Association and for many community, legal, and support organizations.

Terry has received numerous awards and recognition for his commitment to individuals with disabilities and others in need in our community, including:

  • The Santa Clara County Bar Association Pro Bono Services Award
  • The Santa Cruz County Trial Lawyers Association Community Service Award
  • The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley’s Philip J. Berelson Award for Generous Philanthropy
  • Chapter Programs Partner of the Year and Social Security Attorney of the Year by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
  • Client Distinction Award by Martindale-Hubbell and Lawyers.com (fewer than 4% of over 900,000 attorneys listed on Martindale.com and Lawyers.com have been awarded this distinction)
  • Acknowledgement of dedication to the disabled by the California State Bar’s Consumer Business Review, the Santa Clara County Bar Association, and the Pro Bono Project of Santa Clara County
  • Named a top Northern California attorney in Super Lawyers
  • Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly

Terry is licensed to practice in the State of California and the Northern District Federal Court.

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Kevin LaPorte

Attorney

Kevin LaPorte received his JD from the University of San Francisco Law School where he was also awarded an International and Comparative Law Certificate with Honors. He is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, where he has received specialized training in Social Security Disability Law.

Before joining LaPorte Law Firm, Kevin’s practice focused on international criminal law and human rights, such as serving as Assistant Attorney to the International Civil Parties in the trial of former Khmer Rouge leaders in Cambodia. This trial was conducted as a joint enterprise between the United Nations and the Cambodian government, and involved the drafting of closing statements in the historical trial of former Khmer Rouge leaders, along with conducting fact gathering missions for the crime of genocide. He also worked for the United Nations in The Hague, Netherlands, at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, which involved the criminal trial of a former general accused of genocide and war crimes.

Kevin’s experience helping victims of human rights abuses inspired him to assist individuals closer to home who are suffering from disabling illnesses and injuries. With his background in human rights law, he has gained a unique perspective in representing clients whose disabilities prevent them from being able to work. His practice now focuses on representing clients in Northern California in the Social Security Disability claims and appeals process. He was also named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2022.

Kevin is licensed to practice in the State of California and the Northern District Federal Court. Kevin LaPorte is also a member of the Alameda County Bar Association.

Kevin is also the main contributor to our blog, writing new articles every month on SSDI and SSI-related topics that you can consult for free here.

Kevin also contributes to other major online publications, like this Bloomberg article on SSDI and long Covid, thanks to his extensive experience as a Social Security Disability attorney

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Kelsey LaPorte

Attorney

Kelsey LaPorte is a zealous advocate for her clients, committed to helping them obtain the benefits they deserve while guiding them through a time in which they adjust to the effects of their disability on their daily life. With specialized expertise in appeals, she has demonstrated success in appeals to both the Social Security Appeal Council as well as federal lawsuits against the Social Security Administration.

Kelsey is a cum laude graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law with experience in appellate work with the Northern California Innocence Project and the California Public Defenders Office. As a graduate of the Center for Social Justice and Public Service at Santa Clara Law, she is committed to public service and has contributed to the Bay Area community by working on expungement petitions at the Santa Clara Public Defender’s office.

Kelsey is licensed to practice in the State of California and the Northern District Federal Court.

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Maria Miranda-Hammon

Legal Representative

Maria Miranda-Hammon has decades of experience as a Legal Specialist, representing clients since 1994. She is an experienced and dedicated Social Security legal representative who is deeply committed to achieving a successful outcome for every client. Maria specializes in the representation of claimants with SSI and SSA disability claims and appeals at Social Security hearing offices and district offices. She continues to expand her knowledge and experience through research and seminars offered by the Santa Clara County Bar Association, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, and the Annual 9th Circuit Conference for Experienced Social Security Practitioners.

With her vast litigation support experience and electronic filing software expertise, Maria’s assistance in preparing documentation presentations and conference materials is an invaluable asset to the firm. With a fully integrated bicultural background, she has represented many monolingual Spanish-speaking claimants.

Watch a free video presentation by the attorneys at LaPorte Law Firm – How to prepare for a Social Security disability hearing

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Everything You Need To Know About
The Social Security Disability application process