Millions of Americans rely on Social Security payments each month, and in May 2025, a specific group of recipients is due to receive up to $3,761. This amount isn’t just a random figure it’s the average monthly Social Security survivor benefit for a widowed parent with two children, reflecting recent cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies, when payments are scheduled, and how to ensure you receive what you’re eligible for.
What Is the $3,761 Social Security Payment?
The $3,761 payment is the average monthly survivor benefit for a widowed mother or father with two dependent children, according to data from the Social Security Administration. This benefit has increased due to the 2.6% COLA for 2025, up from approximately $3,669 in 2024.
These payments are part of the broader survivor benefits program administered by the SSA, which provides monthly financial assistance to family members of deceased workers who earned enough Social Security credits.
Who Qualifies for the $3,761 Social Security Payment?
To be eligible for the $3,761 monthly payment in May, the recipient must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a surviving parent of a deceased worker who paid into Social Security.
- Have two qualifying dependent children, typically under age 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school full time).
- The deceased spouse must have earned sufficient work credits under Social Security, usually 10 years of work or 40 quarters.
This amount is an average and not a fixed payment. Actual benefits may vary based on the deceased worker’s past earnings and the family’s circumstances.
May 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
Social Security payments are issued based on the birth date of the primary beneficiary. For May 2025, the SSA has scheduled payments on the following dates:
- May 14 – Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month
- May 21 – Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th
- May 28 – Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st
If you started receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997, your May payment was scheduled for May 3.
Additional SSI Payment in May 2025
Some beneficiaries will receive three total payments in May 2025 due to how the calendar falls this year:
- May 1 – Regular Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment
- Mid-May – Social Security Retirement or Disability payment (depending on birth date)
- May 30 – June’s SSI payment, advanced because June 1 falls on a weekend
This may create confusion for recipients seeing multiple deposits, but it’s simply a scheduling adjustment.
Who Else Can Qualify for Survivor Benefits?
Survivor benefits aren’t limited to widowed parents with children. Several categories of people can apply:
- Widows or widowers, aged 60 or older (or 50 if disabled)
- Divorced spouses, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years
- Unmarried children under 18, or 19 if still in school full-time
- Dependent parents, age 62 or older
All beneficiaries must meet specific SSA criteria and should apply through the official process either online, by phone, or at a local SSA office.
What If You’re Not Sure About Your Eligibility?
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for survivor benefits or how much you should receive, the SSA provides an online tool and personalized statements. You can log in to your My Social Security account to view your benefit estimates, payment history, and more.
Final Words
The $3,761 Social Security payment set for May 2025 highlights how survivor benefits offer critical financial support to families after the loss of a loved one. If you’re a widowed parent with young children, now is the time to verify your eligibility, check your account, and ensure you’re set to receive your payment on time.
Always rely on the official SSA website for accurate and secure information. Avoid third-party sites that request personal information outside the government portal.
