At only 21 years old, Alyssa Wilbanks, a first-generation college student, has discovered that success is not bound by age. Throughout her teenage years, she embraced education and utilized her knowledge to assist individuals in obtaining Social Security benefits through Unbound Disability Claims, a startup she co-founded. On Friday, Wilbanks will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and minors in business and health services administration from UCF. She credits her time at UCF for providing her with the tools to create her business.
The heart of Unbound Disability Claims lies in its technology: a unique Disability Claim Builder developed by Wilbanks, CEO Amanda McDonald, and a third-party software developer. This software, launched in 2023, allows individuals to navigate the disability application process without costly expert assistance. The platform guides users through building their claim independently, streamlining the process and reducing financial burdens.
Inspired by her grandfather’s quest for disability benefits, Wilbanks founded Unbound Disability Claims in 2022. The company aims to simplify the application process and provide cost-effective resources to applicants. Wilbanks has already been recognized as a 2024 Inno Under 25 by the Orlando Business Journal for her innovative work.
As COO of the company, Wilbanks oversees various aspects of the business, from internal operations to marketing. She has leveraged resources at UCF, such as the UCF Joust New Venture Competition and Blackstone Launchpad, to develop her business skills and network. Wilbanks plans to work full-time at the company post-graduation and take over as her co-founder transitions to an advisory role in 2027.
Despite being new to the market, Unbound Disability Claims has already seen promising results. Through a trial of their system, 89% of applicants were approved for disability, compared to the industry average of 38%. Wilbanks is dedicated to serving the disabled community and bringing innovation to an underserved population.
