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Starr Disability Advocates Logo

About Us

About Us2026-09-28T18:59:06+00:00

Let Us Put Our Experience to Work For You

Our staff of professionals have been working in the field of disability case management for more than 30 years. We have been involved in hundreds of hearings in this capacity.

We understand filing for Social Security Disability Advocated or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be a long, frustrating, and overwhelming process. As disability advocates we are committed to assisting people with their applications, hearings, and appeals.

“At Starr Disability Advocates, you will not get lost in the shuffle of a large firm. You will deal directly with the experts that will work with you and for you from beginning of the process to the end.

That is my promise to you.”

Karen Starr – President

MS, CRC, SDA, MSCC, ADR

Image of Starr Disability Advocates Staff

Address

(click address below for map)

640 3 Mile Road NW
Suite A
Grand Rapids, MI 49544

Phone

877.917.3422

“At Starr Disability Advocates, you will not get lost in the shuffle of a large firm. You will deal directly with the experts that will work with you and for you from beginning of the process to the end.

That is my promise to you.”

Karen Starr – President

MS, CRC, SDA, MSCC, ADR

Let Us Put Our Experience to Work For You

Our staff of professionals have been working in the field of disability case management for more than 30 years. We have been involved in hundreds of hearings in this capacity.

We understand filing for Social Security Disability Advocated or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be a long, frustrating, and overwhelming process. As disability advocates we are committed to assisting people with their applications, hearings, and appeals.

Karen Starr and Carrie Benchich Starr Disability Advocates

(click address below for map)

Address

601 3 Mile Road NW
Suite A
Grand Rapids, MI 49544

Phone

877.917.3422

Karen Starr

Karen Starr Starr Disability Advocates

Karen Starr, President

MS, CRC, SDA, MSCC, ADR

I began my career as a vocational and medical case manager working with people that were receiving Workers Compensation, Auto No-Fault benefits, or Railroad Disability Benefits. Which led to working as a Social Security Vocational Expert testifying at Social Security Disability hearings in 2007.

In working with Social Security I found that my skill set was better served representing people to obtain their disability benefits. In 2009 I became a Social Security Disability Representative. I soon learned that Social Security has incentives to trying and keeping work which is exciting and complicated at the same time.

In my quest to learn as much as I could we expanded our services to include an Employment Network for the Ticket To Work Program and Benefits Counseling through the WIPA to help people determine how working would affect their benefits. Our goal is to help people through the entire disability process thus, we have expanded our company to meet the needs of our clients.

We take great pride in being able to help people during their most difficult times and helping them to become self sufficient again if they are able to.

Accreditations and Certifications2025-10-27T14:58:02+00:00

  • 2013 to Present Accredited Claims Agent-Veterans’ Administration-Department of Veteran Affairs- February 7, 2013 022D
  • 2009 to Present Accredited Disability Representative, National Association of Disability Representatives
  • 2001 to Present Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, CRC, Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification # 041672
  • 2001 to Present Certified Senior Disability Analyst, SDA, American Board of Disability Analysts, Certification #6750-01
Professional Highlights2025-10-27T14:58:02+00:00

  • 2018- Present BLS/ORS Committee Leader, National Association of Disability Representatives
  • 2008- Present Non-Attorney Representative, Eligible for Direct Fee through the Social Security Administration
  • 2010- Present Member, Conference Committee, National Association of Disability Representatives
  • 2008-2010 Board of Directors, Michigan Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, Past President
Resume2025-10-27T14:58:03+00:00

Carrie Benchich

Carrie Benchich Starr Disability Advocates

Carrie Benchich

M.Ed., LPC, CRC, EDPNA

I provide assistance to individuals with disabilities who have barriers to employment. I can assist individuals unable to be gainfully employed to apply for and obtain Social Security benefits.

I will assist Social Security beneficiaries interested in understanding and deciding how to proceed with their Social Security benefits.

Highlights2025-10-27T14:58:02+00:00

  • Over 20 years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities.
  • Assist individuals with disabilities to apply for Social Security benefits.
  • Current knowledge of SSA work incentives, cost savings programs and healthcare options for SSA beneficiaries.
  • Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Resume2025-10-27T14:58:02+00:00

Alan Plum

Image of Alan Plum - EDPNA - Starr Disability Associates

Alan Plum

EDPNA

I joined Starr & Associates in September of 2025, bringing a wealth of experience to our clients pursuing Social Security Disability benefits. Less than one year after joining our team, I completed my certification as an Eligible for Direct Pay Non-Attorney (EDPNA).

My resume includes a 20-year career with the Social Security Administration, where I helped individuals and their family members navigate the process of filing for disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits. Over those 2 decades, I also helped thousands of individuals understand the eligibility and filing processes for Medicare and Retirement benefits.

Prior to my career with SSA, I worked for five years in professional soccer as a media relations coordinator, first with the Columbus Crew, and later at Major League Soccer headquarters in New York City.

A graduate of Aquinas College, I spend my free time coaching high school soccer.

Starr Disability Advocates Logo White

We help people across the nation apply for SSI and SSDI disability benefits.

© Copyright 2026 | Starr Disability Advocates, LLC

Starr Disability Advocates Logo White

We help people across the nation apply for SSI and SSDI disability benefits.

© Copyright 2026 | Starr Disability Advocates, LLC

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