The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially outlined the payment schedule for May 2025, with dates adjusted based on beneficiary birth dates and business days.
These changes ensure that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, along with others, receive their payments on time, with some adjustments for weekends.
Payment Dates for May 2025
Payments for May will be distributed across multiple dates, with the first being May 1 for SSI claimants. Other recipients will see their payments on May 2 (due to weekend adjustment), and subsequent distributions will be made on Wednesdays, May 14, 21, and 28, according to the beneficiary’s birth date.
The figures for these payments reflect the 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, impacting various benefit types. Depending on the type of benefit, the payment amounts differ. For instance, retirees can expect an average monthly payment of $1,976, with a potential maximum of $5,108 for those who delay their application until age 70.
For SSI recipients, the maximum payments are $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, as per the latest SSA data.
Changes to SSA Payment Calendar
In line with the SSA’s standard procedure, payments that fall on weekends are moved to the previous business day. For example, those scheduled to receive payments on May 3 (which falls on a Saturday) will instead receive their funds on May 2.
This adjustment affects only federal Social Security benefits, not state-level programs.
For beneficiaries based on birth dates, payments are split into three Wednesdays:
- May 14 for those born between the 1st and 10th of the month
- May 21 for those born between the 11th and 20th
- May 28 for those born between the 21st and 31st
These divisions help avoid overlap and ensure smooth processing of payments.
Retirement and Disability Benefit Amounts
The maximum payment for retirement benefits is calculated according to the age at which an individual applies:
- $2,831 if claimed at age 62
- $4,018 if claimed at the full retirement age of 67
- $5,108 for those delaying their application until age 70
The average payment for all retirement recipients is $1,976, which is a general figure that includes all beneficiaries, regardless of the age they claimed benefits.
For disability benefits (SSDI), the average monthly amount is $1,580. However, no maximum amount is set for SSDI; the benefits are determined based on an individual’s prior earnings and the number of years worked.
Advance Payment for June in May
As June 1 falls on a Sunday, SSI recipients will receive their advance payment for June on May 30. This ensures that individuals will not face delays during the weekend. This adjustment does not affect other payments for the month of May.
Recipients who qualify for both Social Security and SSI will receive their payments on May 2, following the weekend adjustment rule.
Payment Summary Table for May 2025
| Payment Group | Payment Date | Amount Range |
|---|---|---|
| SSI (Individual) | May 1 | Up to $967 |
| SSI (Couple) | May 1 | Up to $1,450 |
| Retirees (Average) | May 2, 14, 21, 28 | $1,976 |
| Retirees (Maximum) | May 2, 14, 21, 28 | $5,108 (Age 70) |
| Disability (SSDI) | May 2, 14, 21, 28 | $1,580 (Average) |
| Advance SSI Payment (June) | May 30 | For June $967 |
The May 2025 Social Security payment schedule ensures that beneficiaries receive their payments on time, with some minor adjustments for weekends.
The COLA adjustment will provide higher payments across the board, benefiting retirees, disability recipients, and SSI beneficiaries.
These dates and amounts are designed to make sure that everyone gets their rightful payments in a timely and orderly fashion.
FAQs
Why is my payment scheduled for May 2 instead of May 3?
Payments scheduled for weekends are typically moved to the previous business day, in this case, May 2, because May 3 falls on a Saturday.
How does the 2.5% COLA adjustment affect my Social Security payment?
The 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increases your payment amount by 2.5% over the previous year’s level, which helps offset inflation.
Will I receive my advance SSI payment in May?
Yes, if you are an SSI recipient, you will receive your advance payment for June on May 30, due to June 1 falling on a Sunday.