In May 2025, another round of Social Security payments will be issued to beneficiaries across the United States, ensuring continued support for millions of Americans.
These payments include retirement, survivor, disability benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provide crucial financial assistance to individuals and families. The Social Security Administration (SSA) disburses these benefits on a monthly basis, with most recipients receiving payments in a lump sum.
However, the timing of payments varies depending on the type of benefit and the recipient’s specific circumstances. According to Newsweek, the payment schedule for May will follow a set structure, offering clarity for all those relying on these essential funds.
May 2025 Payment Dates
For SSI recipients, payments are usually issued at the beginning of each month. However, other benefits, including retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits, are distributed throughout the month. These payments are based on the recipient’s birth date or how long they have been receiving payments.
The specific payment dates for May 2025 are as follows:
- Thursday, May 1: SSI payments.
- Friday, May 2: Retirement benefits for those who have been receiving payments since before May 1997, and retirees who also collect SSI benefits.
- Wednesday, May 14: Retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits for those born between the 1st and 10th of any calendar month.
- Wednesday, May 21: Benefits for individuals born between the 11th and 20th.
- Wednesday, May 28: Benefits for those born between the 21st and 31st.
- Friday, May 30: SSI payments for June.
Rare Double SSI Payment in May
A rare double payment will be issued to SSI recipients in May. Normally, SSI recipients are paid once a month on the 1st. However, when the 1st falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the payment is made on the last business day before the 1st of the month. In such cases, recipients may receive two SSI payments in the same month.
The SSA explains this policy:
“When the first day of the month falls on the weekend or a Federal holiday, you receive your SSI payment on the last business day before the first day of the month,” the SSA said in a 2022 blog post. “That means you may get two SSI payments in the same month.”
The SSA further clarifies:
“We do this to avoid putting you at a financial disadvantage and make sure that you don’t have to wait beyond the first of the month to get your payment. It does not mean that you are receiving a duplicate payment in the previous month, so you do not need to contact us to report the second payment.”
If a payment is delayed beyond three working days, the SSA advises waiting three working days before making contact. Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays do not count as working days.
Social Security Benefit Amounts
The amount of Social Security benefits varies based on several factors, including the age at which you begin collecting benefits. For retirement benefits, the maximum monthly payment is:
- At Full Retirement Age (currently 67), the maximum monthly payment is $4,018.
- If you begin receiving benefits at age 62, the maximum payment decreases to $2,831.
- Delaying retirement until age 70 can increase the maximum payment to $5,108 per month.
These figures represent the maximum possible payments. Your actual benefit depends on your lifetime earnings and the number of years you have paid Social Security taxes.
For SSI, the maximum monthly payment in 2025 is :
- $967 for an individual.
- $1,450 for a couple.
However, your actual SSI payment may be lower, depending on your income, living arrangements, and other eligibility factors.
The average monthly retirement benefit in January 2025 was $1,976.
