Payday for millions of Americans! If you’re a Social Security recipient born late in the month, your bank account could be getting a big boost this Wednesday, May 28. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting last round of Social Security payments for May.
Who gets paid on Wednesday, May 28?
You’re in luck if your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of any month. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits on a staggered schedule — and this is the final wave for May.
Let’s break it down:
- If you were born between the 1st and 10th, your check arrived on May 14.
- Born between the 11th and 20th? Your payment landed on May 21.
- Born between the 21st and 31st? You’re up next — your money is coming on Wednesday, May 28.
How big could your check be?
This is the part that gets exciting:
- The average monthly check for retirees is about $1,999.97.
- But if you’ve earned the maximum throughout your working life and delayed claiming benefits until age 70, you could be getting up to $5,108 every month!
Even if you’re not hitting that top tier, that’s still a nice chunk of change to kick off the summer.
What about SSDI, survivor benefits, & SSI?
Don’t worry, the SSA hasn’t forgotten about you:
- SSDI recipients take home an average of $1,581.88 monthly.
- Survivor benefit recipients see about $1,565.52.
- SSI recipients, who are often low-income seniors or people with disabilities, get an average of $717.87.
Now here’s a twist:
If you receive both SSI and other Social Security benefits, your payments usually come in two parts:
- SSI on the 1st of each month
- Retirement/SSDI/survivor benefits on the 3rd
But since June 1 lands on a Sunday, SSI for June will arrive a little early — on Friday, May 30!
Who gets paid on the 3rd of the month?
Not everyone follows the Wednesday schedule. If you started getting benefits before May 1997, your payment date is simple: the 3rd of every month, no matter your birthday.
Want to know more?
You can find the full 2025 payment calendar on the SSA’s website in a handy PDF. It’s worth bookmarking so you’re never surprised when your check hits.
So mark your calendar, check your birthday, and maybe make a little celebration plan — because Wednesday, May 28, could be your payday. Whether you’re budgeting for bills or planning a treat, Social Security is coming through this week!
