Social security benefits are an important source of income for millions of Americans. This includes individuals with liabilities, retirees, and those receiving the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The federal government’s social security program is undergoing some restructuring but the nearly 69 million Americans who receive the benefits are eager to get their monthly paychecks.
About 7.4 million Americans who are disabled or have limited resources receive monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments. About half of those who receive SSI also receive Social Security.
Understanding the payment schedule is important for effective financial planning. Here is all you need to know about this year’s social security programs.
All you need to know about the May 2025 social security payment schedule
The social security administration (SSA) follows a structured payment schedule to distribute benefits. The Social Security Administration’s yearly distribution schedules for 2025 and 2026 are available online so that you can use the calendar for budgeting purposes.
Here is a structured breakdown for May 2025:
May 2: beneficiaries who began to receive benefits before May 1997 will receive their payment.
May 14: recipients with birth dates between 1st and 10th of any month.
May 21: recipients with birth dates between 11th and 20th.
May 28: recipients with birth dates between 21st and 31st.
What is SSI?
Supplemental security income (SSI) is a program that provides benefits to those who have limited income and are 65 years and older. It also applies to those who are blind or have a qualifying disability. According to the SSA’s website, children with disabilities can also qualify for SSI. Adults who qualify for SSI usually do not earn an income up to $2,019 monthly.
Those who receive Supplemental security income (SSI) will get two paychecks in may. They will receive on May 1 which is their regular pay date as they are paid on the first of every month and second on May 30 which is the check for June.
This is because if the first day of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are made on the preceding business day to ensure that the recipients have access to their funds without delay.
What if I do not receive my payment on time? What to do.
While the SSA ensures that there is timely disbursement of the benefits, there can be occasional delays. If you do not receive your payment on the expected date:
- Wait three mailing days: the SSA recommends that you wait for three additional mailing days before you take further action.
- Contact the SSA: if the payment still does not get to you after this period, you should contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY-1-800-325-0778) or visit the SSA office in your locality.
Most beneficiaries receive payments on time as payments are made electronically. If you receive paper checks, ensure that your mailing address id up to date to prevent delivery issues.
What is the maximum Social Security benefit in 2025?
In 2024, the highest Social Security benefit for individuals retiring at full retirement age was $3,822 per month, according to the SSA. Due to certain inflation adjustments in how Social Security is calculated and how past earnings are adjusted for inflation, this maximum benefit will rise to $4,018 per month, totaling over $48,000 annually in 2025.
