Social Security payment recipients might notice delays in their payments this May 2025, while some Americans may get three checks in total this month due to quirks in the Social Security Administration’s payment schedule. Some retirees have received their checks on Wednesdays throughout the month. It’s because the dates this month have fallen on the calendar. (Since May 1 was on a Thursday).
Additionally, this month’s Social Security distribution dates are later than any other month in the 2025 schedule. In a country where 7.4 million citizens receive monthly social security payments, about a third of these recipients also receive traditional Social Security benefits. Therefore, many will see three payments deposited into their accounts during May.
As per USA Today, Social Security payments are made every Wednesday. Citizens will get the payments based on their birth years. Birthdays from the 1st–10th: Paid on the second Wednesday, which is May 14, followed by birthdays from the 20th: Paid on the third Wednesday, May 21, and birthdays after the 20th will be paid on the fourth Wednesday, May 28.
Meanwhile, Americans who began receiving Social Security before May 1997 are paid on the 3rd of each month. Furthermore, under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which was created in 1972 to support older adults, dependent children and people with disabilities, their payments will also be sent on two dates. First, it will be on May 1, 2025, and the next one will be on May 30, since June 1 is a weekend. This will happen again later this year in August and October.
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The SSI body is for Americans with limited income or resources. Generally, adults earning more than $2,019 per month from work are not eligible for SSI. In addition, to receive SSI benefits, citizens need to be living in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
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Please note that, as per sources, the SSI benefits increase with federal cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), which have been capped at 3.2 % as of 2024. Under this scheme, the maximum monthly payment is $943 for one person, and for a couple, it’s $1,415.
However, not everyone gets the full amount. Your actual payment may be higher if your state offers extra aid, or lower if you have other income or monetary status. Furthermore, as published by USA Today, check out the rest of the 2025 SSI payment schedule-
- Tuesday, July 1—Payment for July
- Friday, August 1—Payment for August
- Friday, August 29—Payment for September
- Wednesday, October 1—Payment for October
- Friday, October 31—Payment for November
- Monday, December 1—Payment for December
- Wednesday, December 31—Early payment for January 2026
If you are someone who wants to claim maximum benefits when you retire, keep in mind that the longer seniors delay claiming Social Security benefits, the higher their monthly payments will be.
While most Americans can start claiming Social Security at age 62, you’ll receive your full benefit only if you wait until your full retirement age (generally 67). Delaying even further, up to age 70, can increase your monthly benefit and then give you a hefty lump sum. (Some theories also claim the opposite, but the choice is yours.).
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It’s best to wait till the Full Retirement Age (FRA), which varies based on work history and earnings. Furthermore, the increase in the benefits will depend on your pension. Some individuals might see an increase of $1,000 or more each month, while others may get a smaller increase.
On average, the monthly FRA benefit is around $4,018, but the benefits will depend on your pension. Some individuals might see an increase of $1,000 or more each month, while others may get a smaller increase. SSA will update all records by November 2025. For any further details on checks or benefits, it’s best to reach out to the official authorities in your state or check the website.
