Millions of Americans receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are set for a windfall this May. Social Security Administration (SSA) officials have indicated that beneficiaries will be entitled to two payments this month, with total payouts going as high as $2,900 for some households. While it may appear like a benefit increase, funds are dispersed early in May owing to calendar circumstances, which actually means no increase in benefits.
Generally, SSI payments are made on the first of each month. However, if the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA will send payments the previous Friday. The calendar in 2025 displays June 1 falling on a Sunday, so SSA sends June’s payment on Thursday, May 30. This situation, therefore, causes recipients to receive two payments in May, one on May 1 and another on May 30.
No SSI Payment in June
Because of the early deposit schedule, there will be no SSI deposit in June. It may seem counterintuitive, but this schedule makes sure recipients always have their benefits before the first of the month when it is on a weekend.
The same situation existed in May and June, and will repeat two more times in 2025:
- For August, SSI beneficiaries will receive early deposits of September’s payment on Friday, August 30, since September 1 is again a Sunday.
- For October, payments for November will be deposited on Thursday, October 31, because, while November 1 is not a Sunday, it will be affected by early deposit procedures in certain circumstances.
- That translates to no SSI payments being made in June, September, or November, as the funds will have already entered into accounts at the end of the previous months.
How Much Will You Get?
The standard maximum SSI payment in 2025 is close to $943 for an individual and $1,415 for couples. If you qualify for both payments due in May, the amount could total as even $2,900 if receiving back payments and/or other adjustments together with regular benefits.
Regular Social Security Has a Different Schedule
It’s important to note that this calendar shift only affects SSI recipients. Those receiving regular Social Security retirement or disability benefits are paid based on their birthdate:
- If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th, you’re paid on the second Wednesday of each.
- Birthdays from the 11th to 20th mean payment on the third Wednesday.
- Those born after the 20th receive their benefits on the fourth Wednesday.
No loss of benefits—Just a shift
The key takeaway is that these early payments are simply schedule adjustments, not extra money or benefit reductions. If you see two deposits in one month, don’t worry—you’re not being overpaid or underpaid. The SSA is simply making sure your money arrives on time, even when the calendar gets in the way.
So mark your calendars: May 1st and May 30th are both paydays for SSI recipients this year.
