Millions of Americans will receive their Social Security checks later than usual in May 2025, due to a rare alignment in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) payment schedule.
This month’s benefits begin rolling out on May 14—marking the latest payment start date of the year. Some recipients may even receive three checks in May due to the way Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are scheduled.
Why May 2025 payments are delayed
The SSA issues traditional retirement and disability benefits on Wednesdays, based on the recipient’s birth date. In May 2025, the second Wednesday falls on May 14, which delays the first round of payments to mid-month. Here’s the full schedule for May:
- May 14 – for those born between the 1st and 10th
- May 21 – for those born between the 11th and 20th
- May 28 – for those born after the 20th
Recipients who began receiving benefits before May 1997 are paid earlier, typically on the 3rd of each month. Those individuals who also receive SSI got their first check on May 1 and will receive a second SSI payment on May 30, issued early because June 1 falls on a weekend.
Who will receive three checks in May?
Roughly 7.4 million Americans receive Supplemental Security Income each month. Of those, about one-third also receive regular Social Security benefits.
These dual beneficiaries are the ones seeing three payments in May:
- May 1 – SSI payment for May
- May 3 – Social Security payment (for those on pre-1997 schedule)
- May 30 – Early SSI payment for June
For others, the appearance of multiple deposits may cause confusion, but it’s simply due to how the federal calendar handles weekend dates and holidays.
Upcoming SSI payment dates for 2025
The SSA has confirmed the following SSI payment schedule for the remainder of 2025:
- Friday, May 30 – June payment
- Tuesday, July 1 – July payment
- Friday, August 1 – August payment
- Friday, August 29 – September payment (early)
- Wednesday, October 1 – October payment
- Friday, October 31 – November payment (early)
- Monday, December 1 – December payment
- Wednesday, December 31 – January 2026 payment (early)
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to individuals with limited income or resources, including retirees, people with disabilities, and children with qualifying medical conditions.
To qualify in 2025, most adults must earn less than $2,019 per month from work. SSI is distinct from Social Security retirement or disability benefits but can be received alongside them in some cases.
For more information or to review your benefit schedule, visit ssa.gov.