The Social Security Administration is paying out on Friday, May 1: who benefits?
Later this week, three groups of benefits recipients are scheduled to get their next monthly payment from the U.S.’s Social Security Administration (SSA).
Who gets paid by the Social Security Administration on May 1?
- SSI recipients
On Friday, May 1, beneficiaries of the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI) are due to be sent their money for May 2026.
A benefit with 7.35 million recipients, SSI is for low-income individuals who are over-65 or have a disability.
Although run by the SSA, SSI is not part of the agency’s Social Security program – a separate group of benefits that comprises retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and survivor payments.
SSI is, unlike Social Security, a solely needs-based scheme: eligibility does not depend on a recipient’s work record.
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- Certain long-term Social Security recipients
Friday is also May’s distribution date for certain recipients of Social Security retirement, SSDI or survivor benefits: specifically, those who started claiming before May 1997.
These beneficiaries typically get their money on the third day in each month, but May’s payment run has been brought forward to avoid clashing with a non-business day.
- Dual beneficiaries (Social Security & SSI)
On May 1, Social Security benefits are also scheduled to be issued two days ahead of schedule to the 2.52 million Americans who combine retirement, SSDI or survivor payments with SSI.
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How much are Social Security and SSI benefits?
- Social Security retirement: $2,024.77
- Social Security Disability Insurance: $1,493.07
- Social Security survivor benefits: $1,624.37
- SSI benefits: $736.28
(Average monthly benefits, per SSA stats.)
Extra payments from U.S. states
Some SSI beneficiaries can claim additional monthly benefits from their state. For more information on the states that offer this supplement, take a look at the SSA website.
How does the Social Security Administration pay out benefits?
- Direct deposit
Social Security recipients can update their bank-account information using the SSA’s online my Social Security tool. SSI beneficiaries should call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a Social Security office.
- Direct Express
SSI can be paid onto the Direct Express Card, a debit card for federal disbursements. Sign up at 1-800-333-1795 or 1-800-772-1213, or at a Social Security office.
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