Social Security beneficiaries can expect two more rounds of payments before the end of May 2025. If you’re receiving retirement, survivor, or disability benefits, your payment date may fall on May 21 or May 28, depending on your birthday and date of benefit enrollment.
This article breaks down who gets paid on each date, how the schedule works, and what to do if your payment is delayed. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming May 2025 Social Security payments.
Social Security Payment Schedule: How It Works
The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a staggered payment schedule for retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits. Your payment date depends primarily on your birthdate and when you started receiving benefits.
Here’s the basic payment structure:
- If you started receiving benefits before May 1997:
You are paid on the 3rd of every month, regardless of your birthday. - If you started receiving benefits in May 1997 or later, the schedule is as follows:
- Birthdays from the 1st–10th: Payment is issued on the second Wednesday of the month.
- Birthdays from the 11th–20th: Payment is issued on the third Wednesday.
- Birthdays from the 21st–31st: Payment is issued on the fourth Wednesday.
Who Gets Paid on May 21, 2025?
If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of any month and you started receiving benefits after May 1997, then your Social Security payment will arrive on Wednesday, May 21.
This includes:
- Retirement benefit recipients
- SSDI beneficiaries
- Survivors receiving monthly checks from SSA
Who Gets Paid on May 28, 2025?
If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st, and your benefits started after May 1997, you’re scheduled to receive your payment on Wednesday, May 28.
These payments cover the same categories:
- Retirees
- Disabled individuals receiving SSDI
- Widows, widowers, and dependents receiving survivor benefits
What About SSI Payments?
Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) have a separate payment schedule.
- For May 2025, SSI beneficiaries will receive two payments:
- May 1 (standard monthly payment)
- May 30 (June’s payment sent early because June 1 falls on a Sunday)
This scheduling shift is common when the first of a month lands on a weekend or federal holiday.
What If You Didn’t Get Paid?
If you’re expecting a Social Security or SSI payment and it hasn’t arrived, here’s what the SSA recommends:
- Wait three additional mailing days after the scheduled payment date.
- If you still haven’t received it, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
- You can also sign in to your My Social Security account to check your payment status.
Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure method for receiving payments. If you’re still using paper checks, consider enrolling in direct deposit via your online SSA account or by contacting your bank.
Tips for Staying Updated
To make sure you never miss an update:
- Bookmark the SSA Payment Schedule
- Follow official SSA news via www.ssa.gov/news
- Set up text or email notifications via your MySSA account
You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (local time).
Conclusion
If your birthday falls in the second or third 10-day span of the month and you’re enrolled in Social Security benefits after May 1997, your payment will likely be deposited on May 21 or May 28, 2025. With billions distributed monthly, knowing exactly when you’ll receive your check can help you plan better and avoid confusion.
Double-check your eligibility and payment method via the SSA portal or give them a call if you experience delays. And remember, if you’re on SSI, you’re getting two payments this month!
