If you’re one of the millions of Americans who get monthly Social Security benefits, your next payment could hit your account on Wednesday, May 14. This is the third round of payments the Social Security Administration (SSA) is sending out in May, and the amount averages around $2,000. Let’s break down who’s getting paid this week — and who’ll need to wait a bit longer.
Your birthday decides your payday
Here’s how it works: If your birthday falls between the 1st and the 10th of any month — and you started receiving Social Security benefits after May 1997 — then you’re scheduled to receive your check on May 14. That includes retirees, people on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and those getting survivor benefits.
If your birthday falls later in the month, don’t worry. The next round of checks goes out on May 21 for those born between the 11th and the 20th. And if you were born from the 21st to the 31st, your payday will be May 28.
Read now: The Social Security email you may receive so you don’t miss your SSA paychecks: “There’s still time”
If you started before 1997, your check came earlier
Not everyone is on this Wednesday schedule. If you started receiving benefits before May 1997, your check likely arrived on May 3 — that’s the standard payout date for earlier recipients. Also, if you receive both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other Social Security benefits, your payments follow a different pattern: SSI on the 1st and your other benefits on the 3rd.
How much might you get?
The average Social Security retirement benefit is $1,999.97 as of 2025, nearly hitting the $2,000 mark. Disabled workers receive a bit less, averaging $1,581.88 per month. If you’re receiving survivor benefits, that number is closer to $1,565.52. Your personal benefit amount may differ depending on your earnings history and the age you started claiming.
A big system with millions depending on it
Social Security serves a massive portion of the U.S. population — over 73.9 million Americans rely on either Social Security or SSI. More than 70% of those are retired workers, making it one of the most important financial support systems in the country.
Big changes could be coming
You should also know that the SSA is now under new leadership. Frank Bisignano was sworn in as the new Commissioner of Social Security on May 7. He’s expected to roll out several changes aimed at reducing fraud and modernizing the system, including updates to benefit collection, student loan offsets, and even a possible redesign of the Social Security card.
Bottom line
If you’re eligible and your birthday is between the 1st and the 10th, you can expect your Social Security check to land on Wednesday, May 14. The amount? Likely close to $2,000. If you’re outside that birthday window, your money is still on the way — just keep an eye on the calendar.
