May 2025 could bring an unusual surprise for certain Social Security beneficiaries. Some recipients may see up to three different payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA) this month.
This isn’t due to a policy change or a special bonus—it’s all because of how the SSA schedules payments for different benefit programs.
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to your regular Social Security retirement or disability benefits, May may feel like a very full month for your bank account.
Programs
The SSA oversees both Social Security and SSI, but they’re different in purpose and eligibility.
Social Security is based on your work history and tax contributions. It’s paid to retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors of deceased workers.
On the other hand, SSI is a needs-based program for individuals who are blind, disabled, or age 65 and older with very limited income and resources.
As of early 2025, more than 7.4 million people—seniors, adults, and children—were receiving SSI benefits.
Schedule
The reason some recipients will receive three payments in May has to do with how the SSA schedules payments when the first of the month falls on a weekend.
SSI is typically paid on the first of each month. But when that date lands on a weekend or holiday, the SSA issues the payment early.
That’s exactly what’s happening this May.
Here’s how it breaks down:
| Payment Type | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| SSI | Thursday, May 1 | Regular May SSI payment |
| Social Security | May 14, 21, or 28 | Depending on your date of birth |
| SSI (June payment) | Friday, May 30 | Early deposit since June 1 is a Sunday |
So if you receive both SSI and Social Security, you will see three payments: your May SSI on May 1, your regular Social Security payment sometime during the month based on your birthday, and your June SSI a couple of days early on May 30.
Birthdays
The SSA sends regular Social Security payments based on your birth date. Here’s the May 2025 schedule:
- If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th: your payment will arrive Wednesday, May 14
- If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th: you’ll get paid Wednesday, May 21
- If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st: expect your payment Wednesday, May 28
These dates apply to people receiving retirement or disability benefits who began collecting after May 1997.
Calendar
Looking ahead, here’s the full SSI payment schedule for the rest of 2025:
| Month | SSI Payment Date |
|---|---|
| May | Thursday, May 1 |
| May (June’s) | Friday, May 30 |
| July | Tuesday, July 1 |
| August | Friday, August 1 |
| August (Sept’s) | Friday, August 29 |
| October | Wednesday, October 1 |
| October (Nov’s) | Friday, October 31 |
| December | Monday, December 1 |
| December (Jan 2026’s) | Wednesday, December 31 |
Early payments like May 30 occur when the regular first-of-the-month payment falls on a weekend or holiday.
Notices
Recently, some beneficiaries received notices saying they were “not receiving benefits.” The SSA has confirmed these letters were sent in error. If you received one of these notices but are still receiving benefits as usual, there’s no need for concern.
To stay informed about your payments, you can always check the SSA’s official payment calendar or log in to your personal My Social Security account.
If you ever don’t receive a payment, the SSA recommends taking the following steps:
- Contact your bank or financial institution to check for delays.
- If the payment is not there, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office.
Knowing the schedule and knowing how these payments work can help avoid surprises and keep your finances on track.
FAQs
Why do I get two SSI payments in May?
The second is an early June payment.
When is my Social Security check coming?
It depends on your birthday: May 14, 21, or 28.
Did SSA send wrong notices recently?
Yes, some notices were sent in error.
What if I miss a payment?
Check your bank first, then contact SSA.
Is the May 30 SSI payment extra?
No, it’s June’s payment sent early.
