A Greensburg woman and her twin sister living in Guam have filed federal lawsuits challenging the U.S. government over its policy regarding Social Security benefits.

According to the lawsuits, Leslie Schiller, 48, and her sister, Katrina, claim the policy that prevents benefits from being paid to American citizens living in Guam is unconstitutional.

Both sisters, according to the lawsuits filed in Guam and Pittsburgh, have been diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy, a genetic disorder that severely limits muscle function.

Attempts to reach Leslie Schaller were not successful.

Because she lives in Greensburg, Leslie Schaller receives supplement security income from the government that allows her to continue to live on her own. Katrina Schaller, who lives with another sister in Guam after moving there to be cared for after her mother died, is ineligible to receive the same benefits as her sister, according to the lawsuit.

U.S. law precludes her sister from receiving the same benefit even though she is a citizen who lives Guam, a United States territory, the lawsuits state.

According to the lawsuits filed by lawyers in Chicago and Pittsburgh, the Schallers contend the benefits should be extended to Katrina Schaller in Guam.

Leslie Schaller said the law violates her equal protection rights because it prevents her from traveling to Guam to visit or live with her sister. She would forfeit her benefits by relocating to the island, according to the lawsuit.

“Leslie has every right to visit her sisters on Guam. It is outrageous and simply unconscionable that the United States provides essential aid for its disabled citizens in the 50 states and some of our territories but not others,” said attorney Mike Williams of Kirkland and Ellis LLP. “This disparate treatment is irrational. The United States Constitution forbids it.”

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---