Testimonials

Read what our clients say about our work

After over 40 years of service,

LaPorte Law Firm has won thousands of claims and appeals for our clients

This law firm helped us win our case after many appeals. The people there were very attentive and sensitive to our needs. They made sure to follow up and connect every step of the way. I highly recommend them.

Kevin LaPorte is a lifesaver! I was denied benefits three times in Arizona before moving to California to live with my mother. When I reached out to LaPorte Law Firm, Kevin gave me hope again. I am so thankful for everything he did for me. The entire process went smoothly and I was finally approved for SSI after years of denials. Contacting LaPorte Law Firm was the best decision I’ve ever made and I am truly grateful.

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

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!

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.

If you’re looking for a top-notch Social Security Disability lawyer, look no further. Terry LaPorte is your guy. He’s knowledgeable, experienced, efficient, and charming — truly the best of the best!

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!

Kevin is an excellent attorney. He helped me get the very best financial outcome for my Social Security Disability case. He is professional, provided excellent advice, and was very prepared when my case was presented to the judge.

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.

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.

I highly recommend LaPorte Law Firm. Terry LaPorte and his team were genuine and professional. His knowledge and responsiveness got me the exact results I was looking for. The firm also made the process extremely easy and stress free for me. I sincerely appreciate Terry’s follow-ups and willingness to answer any of my questions as time passed by. Great choice!

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SSDI benefits and SSI benefits?

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.”

Will SSDI replace all my lost income?

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.

How long does it take to receive SSDI benefits?

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.

How much will I be paying in attorney's fees?

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. 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.

What should I do if Social Security denies my application?

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.

How much will I receive if my claim is successful?

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.

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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.