At a mere 21 years old, first-generation university student Alyssa Wilbanks has discovered that achievement is not limited by age. She has dedicated her teenage years to embracing education and utilizing the knowledge she has gained to support individuals in obtaining Social Security benefits through Unbound Disability Claims — a startup she helped establish. On Friday, Wilbanks will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences, along with minors in business and health services administration. She credits her time at UCF for guiding her in creating this business venture.
Wilbanks explains, “My degree helped me grasp the medical terminology related to the applicant’s conditions and treatment, while the business minor taught me valuable networking and business skills.” The heart of the company is its technology: a unique Disability Claim Builder developed by Wilbanks, Co-Founder and CEO Amanda McDonald, and a third-party software developer. This software, introduced in 2023, allows individuals to navigate the disability application process without the need for costly expert assistance.
Unbound Disability Claims also eases the financial burden on applicants by offering affordable resources, such as the “Five Steps to Disability Determinations” guide and the “Independent Disability Analysis Packet.” Wilbanks drew inspiration from her grandfather’s struggle to obtain disability benefits for rheumatoid arthritis when founding the company in 2022. She recognizes the increasing delays in the application process, with the average wait time doubling since 2016.
During her time at UCF, Wilbanks leveraged every opportunity available, propelling her career before graduating. She has already been honored by the Orlando Business Journal as a 2024 Inno Under 25, recognizing her entrepreneurial prowess. As COO, Wilbanks fulfills various roles within the company, from overseeing operations to marketing and ensuring compliance.
Wilbanks plans to work full-time at Unbound Disability Claims post-graduation, aiming to take over the company as her co-founder transitions to an advisory role in 2027. Despite being a newcomer in the industry, the company has achieved promising results, with a high percentage of applicants successfully obtaining disability benefits through their system. Wilbanks is determined to make a meaningful impact in the disability community through innovation and support.
