Joyce Trudeau

Attorney · Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Joyce Trudeau is a practicing attorney based out of Minneapolis. She earned her law degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law as part of its first graduating class in May of 2016, and is a member of the Minnesota Bar. She attended the University of South Dakota and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in both Political Science and Criminal Justice.

Joyce has been helping people obtain Social Security disability benefits since 2013. While in law school, she worked for the Appellate Public Defenders Office and volunteered with the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault. She believes in standing up for those who feel powerless or unheard, and in helping when others are in need.

A lifelong Minnesota resident, Joyce enjoys spending time at the lake, and the 15 minutes of joy that fall brings before the inevitable, soul-crushing winter. It may be rough but, as Prince famously said, it keeps the bad people out.

Articles By Joyce Trudeau

Will My Student Loans Be Forgiven if I'm Approved for Disability Benefits?
If I'm approved, can I get my student loans forgiven?
Can You Get SSDI Disability or SSI for Osteoarthritis?
Social Security sometimes grants disability benefits when the pain and stiffness of arthritis severely limits an individual's mobility or use of the hands.
Filing for Disability for Partial or Total Blindness
If you have have low vision or are partially, legally, or totally blind, you may be able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Thinking of Picking Up Seasonal Work? What You Need to Know About the Impact on Your Disability Benefits
Be aware of the risks to taking seasonal work if you're receiving (or applying for) Social Security disability benefits.
Disability Advocates Push New Reforms for Social Security Disability
Learn about the "Stop the Wait" campaign and other reforms sought by disability advocates to make Social Security disability benefits more accessible and equitable.
Can I Get Disability for Degenerative Joint Disease?
Learn about how to get disability benefits for degenerative joint disease in the hands, shoulders, neck, hips, knees, or lower back.
Does Social Security Disability Deny Everyone the First Time They Apply?
No, but Social Security denies about 65% of disability claimants after the initial application.
How to Get Your Doctor's Help to Approve Your Disability Claim
If your doctor is reluctant to help with your claim, you should find out why and address their concerns.
Can I Collect Unemployment While Waiting for Social Security Disability?
Social Security doesn't have a rule against it, but collecting unemployment while waiting for SSDI or SSI disability benefits could come back to bite you.
When Disability Benefits Are Available for Dermatomyositis or Polymyositis
Individuals with myositis that persists despite treatment may be eligible for Social Security disability.