Social Security beneficiaries in the United States are in for a unique financial month this May. Thanks to the way the calendar falls, some recipients will see two SSI payments and, in some cases, two deposits in the same week.
But don’t get too excited—this isn’t a bonus or a raise. It’s all about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) schedules payments.
Schedule
The SSA follows a strict monthly payment system, which is designed to spread out deposits based on birth dates. Here’s how it typically works:
- If you were born between the 1st and 10th, you get paid on the second Wednesday of the month.
- If you were born between the 11th and 20th, you get paid on the third Wednesday.
- If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st, you’re paid on the fourth Wednesday.
This system helps avoid overloading banks and ensures payments are distributed in a smooth and organized way.
SSI
Apart from retirement and disability payments, the SSA also runs the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. This one’s for people with severe disabilities and limited income, and it runs on a different timeline.
Here’s the twist: SSI payments are usually issued on the 1st of each month. But if that date lands on a weekend or holiday, the payment is moved forward to the last business day of the previous month.
And that’s exactly what’s happening in May.
May
Let’s break it down:
- The first SSI payment will land on Thursday, May 1—business as usual.
- But June 1 falls on a Sunday this year, which means the June SSI check will be sent early, on Friday, May 30.
That means many SSI beneficiaries will see two payments in the same month—but again, this isn’t extra money. It’s simply the June payment arriving ahead of time.
In addition to that, some people will receive both their regular Social Security payment and their SSI payment in the same week, especially if their birthday falls late in the month. While it feels like double pay, these are just regular disbursements overlapping because of the calendar.
Exceptions
There’s also a group of people who receive their Social Security on a completely different schedule—those who started collecting before May 1997. This group is under a legacy payment system, and they still receive their checks on the 3rd of each month, no matter what day of the week it falls on.
That means if you’re in this category and also receive SSI, your two payments are likely to land very close together too.
Amounts
So how much can beneficiaries expect?
For Social Security
| Retirement Age | Average Monthly Benefit | Max Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Age 62 | $2,831 | — |
| Age 67 | — | $3,822 |
| Age 70 | — | $5,108 |
For SSI
| Type of Beneficiary | Max Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Individual | $967 |
| Couple (joint) | $1,450 |
| Essential Person | $484 |
Remember, not everyone receives the maximum—your exact amount depends on your income, assets, and living situation.
Final Thoughts
May may feel like a “bonus” month for some Social Security and SSI beneficiaries, but it’s really just a shift in timing, not a pay raise. That said, knowing your payment dates ahead of time can help with budgeting and financial planning.
Keep an eye on your bank account if you receive SSI—you’ll get paid on May 1 and again on May 30. And if your birthday falls in the back half of the month, don’t be surprised if your SSI and Social Security land in the same week.
FAQs
Why are there two SSI payments in May?
June’s payment is sent early since June 1 falls on a Sunday.
Is this an extra SSI payment?
No, it’s just an early payment for the following month.
Who gets paid on the 3rd of the month?
Those who started receiving Social Security before May 1997.
Can I get SSI and Social Security in the same week?
Yes, if payment dates overlap based on your birthdate.
How much is the max SSI benefit in 2024?
$967 for individuals, $1,450 for couples, $484 for essential persons.
