May 2025 Social Security Payment Dates: What Beneficiaries Need to Know
Millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits every month. Knowing exactly when those payments will arrive is critical for budgeting and planning. Here’s the full payment schedule for May 2025, based on official guidance from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
How Social Security Payments Are Scheduled
Social Security benefits are typically distributed based on birth dates. Here’s how it works:
- Birth date between the 1st and 10th: Paid on the second Wednesday of the month.
- Birth date between the 11th and 20th: Paid on the third Wednesday of the month.
- Birth date between the 21st and 31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Meanwhile, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are paid separately and follow a different schedule.
May 2025 Payment Dates
Here’s when you can expect to receive your Social Security check in May:
- May 1: SSI payments
- May 8: Social Security for those born May 1–10
- May 15: Social Security for those born May 11–20
- May 22: Social Security for those born May 21–31
It’s important to note that if you started receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997, your payment will arrive on the 3rd of each month—therefore, you’ll receive your May payment on May 3, 2025.
Important Reminders About May Payments
There are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Payments may take until the end of the scheduled day to appear in your bank account.
- If you haven’t received your payment after three business days, you should contact the SSA.
- Those receiving both Social Security and SSI will usually see two deposits this month—one for each benefit.
In addition, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 26, 2025. However, since Social Security payments are scheduled for Wednesdays and not Mondays, no delays are expected due to the holiday.
Where to Check Your Payment Status
If you are unsure whether your payment was issued, the best way to check is through your My Social Security account. You can verify the deposit date and review your benefits information there.
In some cases, banking institutions may also experience processing delays. Therefore, it’s a good idea to confirm with your bank if your payment is slightly delayed.