There are millions of Social Security beneficiaries who will be getting a bit of a delay in their May 2025 payment because of the calendar configuration. It will impact mostly recipients born between the 1st and the 10th of the month, who normally get payments on the second Wednesday. That will not be happening this year, with Group 1 beneficiaries having to wait longer.
Why the delay is in May 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends monthly benefits to recipients, paying beneficiaries based on their birth dates into three groups:
- Group 1: Born between the 1st and the 10th, typically paid on the second Wednesday
- Group 2: Born between the 11th and the 20th, paid on the third Wednesday
- Group 3: Born between the 21st and the 31st, paid on the fourth Wednesday
In May 2025, the second Wednesday will be the 14th, therefore Group 1 payment will take place in the third week rather than its normal second week. This calendrical quirk implies the beneficiaries have to wait extra time while receiving payments of May 21 from Groups 2 and May 28 from Group 3.
The SSA still maintains that this is a short-term change caused by the calendar only and not evidence of issues with the payment system. Beneficiaries are requested to wait at least three business days following the payment due date before they should report missing payments.
Effect on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries
Aside from Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will get a special payment schedule in this May. Since June 1 is a Sunday, the SSA will make two payments in May:
- The standard May payment on May 1
- A June advance payment on May 30
This translates to no SSI payment for June 2025, and recipients must adjust. The May double payment is an existing SSA policy to prevent skipped payments when payment dates come on weekends or holidays.
Operational challenges and staffing issues
Whereas the calendar is mindful of the time shift, the SSA also has operational setbacks that can hamper payment processing. Recent closure of offices and the reduction in workforce have set off alarms over delays for Social Security, SSI, and SSDI recipients.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the leadership of Elon Musk cut 7,000 SSA jobs and is set to close down 47 field offices.
- These changes have caused website outages and service disruptions, making benefit disbursements more complicated.
- When these conditions have existed, Former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley has warned of them publicly.
In spite of these problems, the SSA is taking steps to keep to normal payment schedules and encourages beneficiaries to watch their accounts and report delays to the agency if they exceed normal processing times.
How beneficiaries can prepare and avoid confusion
To reduce stress and confusion resulting from the payment schedule changes, the SSA advises:
- Checking the official SSA payment calendar to know when payments will be received.
- Carefully planning expenses, particularly for Group 1 beneficiaries who will experience a delayed payment this May.
- Waiting three business days past the payment date before reporting missing payments to prevent unnecessary complications.
- Using online tools to monitor payment status and contact SSA representatives if necessary.
- These steps can help beneficiaries manage their finances well despite the short-term rescheduling.
Key takeaways
The delay in payment to Group 1 beneficiaries in May 2025 is due to the calendar placing the second Wednesday on May 14 instead of earlier.
- Two payments in May but no payment in June will be given to SSI recipients with careful planning.
- Operational problems in the SSA will cause delays, however, the agency is making concerted efforts to ensure timely payments.
- Anticipating and remaining up to date is critical for beneficiaries to make adjustments without interruption.
The Social Security Administration assures payments will be received as planned despite calendar-conceived delay. Awareness of the payment date and advance planning will prevent financial hardship for millions of Americans during this short transition period.
Read more: Social Security Form SS-5: How to fill out the SSA document and where to apply for a Social Security card?
Read more: At what age can a wife take half of
