Hickory Social Security Disability Lawyer

Best Hickory Social Security Disability Attorney

Social Security plays an important role in many North Carolinians’ finances. It can be stressful and confusing when those benefits are in question. If you are looking to secure compensation or have had your claim denied, a Hickory Social Security Disability lawyer can help you through this difficult period. They can advocate for you and work to secure your benefits.

About Cody Law Firm

Cody Law Firm has spent years assisting people in Hickory, Caldwell County, Catawba County, and communities across North Carolina with Social Security Disability cases. Founder Blair E. Cody, III, was born and raised in Catawba County. After working for the Durham County district attorney, he returned to Hickory to practice law. He is an active member of the North Carolina Advocate for Justice and the Catawba County Bar Association.

What Is Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability is a financial assistance program used to support those who cannot work due to serious medical conditions. It is a federal program overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA), with Hickory’s local office located at 1501 US-321. In December 2025, 275,659 disabled workers were beneficiaries. Illnesses covered include cancer, paralysis, back pain, neurological disorders, chronic lung disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The SSA has an established five-point assessment process to determine whether someone qualifies as disabled and is covered by Social Security Disability. These include:

• Work activity. The first step is looking at any active employment and whether it is substantially gainful.
• Medical severity. The SSA then reviews a medical condition to see if it qualifies as a severe limitation.
• Listed impairment. If a condition does qualify as severe, it is then compared to preexisting impairments. Matching disabilities are automatically confirmed. If it doesn’t, the process continues.
• Previous employment. Current earning capacity is compared to the position someone had before a disability. If they can, the case is denied.
• Other job opportunities. The final element considered by the SSA is the reasonable ability for someone to adjust to another field of work.

SSDI Versus SSI

Social Security Disability coverage includes Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Someone may be approved for one or both, depending on the situation. SSDI is used for those with an established work history, with monthly benefits based on previous earnings and Social Security payments.

SSI does not require a work history and is based on financial need. The main income considered when establishing eligibility is current earned income. Many types of income that are not included include food stamps, tax refunds, grants, or assistance from any other government entity.

Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer

Social Security Disability cases can be confusing and overwhelming for those with little to no legal background. While you may pursue issues on your own, it is recommended that you hire a social security disability lawyer to help with your case. Your Hickory Social Security Disability attorney can provide many key services to your case, such as:

• Explain proceedings. In your initial meetings, Cody Law Firm can review your eligibility for SSDI and SSI and explain the upcoming necessary stages.
• Prepare your case. Your attorney can gather medical records, draft documents for your case, and file them with the SSA.
• Prepare an appeal. If your case is denied, you still have options. Your lawyer can prepare your request for an appeals hearing and submit it before the deadline.
• Representation in hearings. Administrative hearings for a Social Security Disability claim can be intimidating. We can represent you in all appearances before an appeals council.

FAQs

How Much Does a Social Security Disability Attorney Cost in Hickory, North Carolina?

How much your North Carolina Social Security Disability attorney costs depends on the details of your case. Key factors that determine the total costs in Hickory, North Carolina include the value of owed payments, the complexity of preparing your case, the extent of aid, and whether a trial is necessary. During your initial consultation, your lawyer can review your situation and provide an estimate for your final bill.

How Much Does Social Security Disability Cover?

The exact amount that Social Security Disability covers depends on whether it is SSI or SSDI, and your previous income. SSDI does not have a set maximum and is entirely dependent on lifetime earnings and the amount you paid in Social Security taxes. SSI scales based on your current income, with a maximum payment of $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 for couples.

How Long Do You Have to Appeal a Social Security Disability Denial?

After a Social Security Disability denial in Hickory, it’s important to understand how long you have to appeal the decision. The typical deadline for requesting a reconsideration is 60 days from the initial determination of SSDI benefits and SSI compensation. If you miss this deadline, you are required to provide good cause. Examples include a serious illness, death in the family, records were destroyed, or you did not receive notice of the decision.

What Is the Hardest Disability to Get Approved for Social Security Disability?

The hardest disabilities to get approved for Social Security Disability coverage tend to be those without clear test results. Common situations where coverage can be challenging include back and neck pain, mental health conditions like severe depression or PTSD, and autoimmune illnesses like fibromyalgia. Denials for these disorders can be frustrating, as all can be detrimental to stable employment.

During your initial consultation, your attorney can discuss your illness with you and determine the difficulty in securing coverage.

Speak With a Social Security Disability Attorney Today

Cody Law Firm recognizes how aggravating it can be to have your Social Security threatened. Our team of experienced attorneys can draw on decades of skills and legal knowledge to guide you through your case. We can make a positive impact on your situation.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, where we can learn your story, the challenges you face in receiving coverage, and strategies for resolving existing issues. You may also visit our in-town offices, located on Southwest First Street, a block southwest of Hickory City Hall, north of Ridgeview Branch Library, and across the street from the post office.