Millions of Americans rely on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to cover essential expenses every month. As May 2025 reaches its final weeks, beneficiaries are eagerly awaiting their payments and many will see their deposits hit their accounts this week.
Here’s everything you need to know about who gets paid, when, and how to check your eligibility.
Who Gets Paid This Week?
If your birth date falls between the 11th and 20th of any month and you receive Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits, your May 2025 payment is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21.
This group includes beneficiaries who started receiving payments after May 1997 and are on the standard staggered payment schedule.
Additionally, those born after the 20th of the month will receive their Social Security check next week on May 28, while recipients born between the 1st and 10th were already paid on May 14.
SSI Recipients Already Paid
If you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your May payment was sent on May 1, 2025. However, due to June 1 falling on a Sunday, the June SSI payment will be issued early — on Friday, May 30, 2025.
That means some SSI recipients will see two payments in May but none in June. This is not a bonus but an advance due to the weekend schedule.
What If You Were Receiving Benefits Before May 1997?
If you’re part of the group that started receiving Social Security before May 1997, your benefits typically arrive on the 3rd of each month.
However, since May 3, 2025, was a Saturday, payments were delivered earlier — on Friday, May 2.
Payment Schedule Summary for May 2025
| Date | Who Gets Paid |
|---|---|
| May 1 (Thu) | SSI Recipients (May benefit) |
| May 2 (Fri) | Early payment for those on pre-May 1997 benefits |
| May 14 (Wed) | Born 1st–10th (Social Security) |
| May 21 (Wed) | Born 11th–20th (Social Security) |
| May 28 (Wed) | Born 21st–31st (Social Security) |
| May 30 (Fri) | SSI Recipients (Advance June payment) |
How Much Will You Get?
In 2025, recipients saw a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which increased the average monthly benefit to around $1,976 for retirees.
Here are the average payment amounts for 2025:
- Retired worker: $1,976/month
- Disabled worker: ~$1,537/month
- Survivor benefits: ~$1,505/month
Didn’t Get Your Payment?
If your deposit hasn’t arrived, don’t panic. The SSA recommends waiting at least three mailing days after your scheduled payment date before contacting them.
Here’s what to do:
- Double-check the payment date based on your birthdate.
- Check with your bank — sometimes deposits may be delayed on their end.
- If it’s been more than three business days, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or contact them online through the SSA Help Center.
Payment Methods
Payments are made either by direct deposit or through the Direct Express® Debit Mastercard®. If you haven’t set up direct deposit yet, you can do it through your mySocialSecurity account.
Setting up direct deposit is strongly encouraged it’s fast, secure, and helps you avoid delays caused by mailing issues.
Watch Out for Scams
Scammers often target Social Security recipients, especially near payment dates. Remember:
- SSA will never call you for your SSN or bank details.
- Do not click on suspicious links or respond to texts asking for personal information.
To report fraud or learn more about spotting scams, visit the SSA’s scam prevention portal.
Final Thoughts
This week is important for millions of Americans counting on their benefits. Whether you’re a retiree, a disabled worker, or a survivor, knowing your exact payment date helps you plan better.
To recap:
- If you’re born between the 11th and 20th, expect your Social Security payment this Wednesday, May 21.
- SSI recipients will get an extra payment on May 30 for the upcoming month.
- Always allow time for delays and verify details through the SSA official website.
