If your Social Security payment hasn’t hit your account yet this May, you’re not alone. Payments are being made a little later than usual, and there’s a simple reason for it—it all comes down to how the dates fall on this year’s calendar. While delays can be frustrating, the shift is completely normal and expected by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The payment schedule depends on your birthday, and this May, the second Wednesday—the earliest date some recipients can be paid—falls on May 14, which is one of the latest possible dates it can land on. So if you were expecting an earlier payment, it’s just part of the way things lined up this month. It’s not just May, either—similar delays are already showing up in future schedules, including in 2026.
For those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), there’s actually a second payment coming this May. That’s because the usual payment date for June lands on a weekend, so the check goes out early. We’ve also included a quick look at upcoming SSI payment dates to help you stay on top of your finances.
May 2025 Social Security Payment Dates
Most people receiving Social Security benefits are paid based on their birthdate. Here’s how it breaks down for May:
- Wednesday, May 14 – For those born between the 1st and 10th of any month
- Wednesday, May 21 – For those born between the 11th and 20th
- Wednesday, May 28 – For those born between the 21st and 31st
If you’re getting benefits through your spouse’s work record, the payment date is tied to their birthday instead of yours.
And for those who started receiving Social Security before May 1997, your payment is always sent on the 3rd of the month. If you also receive SSI, that usually arrives on the 1st of the month.
The SSA recommends waiting three mailing days after your expected payment date before reaching out if your money hasn’t arrived—but most payments (99%) are deposited directly into bank accounts.
Why May Payments Are a Bit Later
May always tends to be one of the months where payments go out a little later than usual. That’s because of how the Wednesdays fall on the calendar. For example, this year, the second Wednesday isn’t until May 14, which is just about the latest it could be. It doesn’t mean anything’s wrong—it’s just the natural result of how the schedule works.
Future Months with Later Payments
Planning ahead? You’ll want to keep an eye on some other months where this could happen again. Here are a few upcoming examples where Social Security payments will land later in the month than you might expect:
| Month | 1st–10th Birthdays Paid | 11th–20th | 21st–31st |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Wednesday, Jan. 14 | Jan. 21 | Jan. 28 |
| May 2026 | Wednesday, May 13 | May 20 | May 27 |
| October 2026 | Wednesday, Oct. 14 | Oct. 21 | Oct. 28 |
So if you rely on these payments to cover monthly bills, it’s a good idea to adjust your budget accordingly during these months.
Extra SSI Check in May 2025
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), there’s some good news this month: you’ll be getting two payments in May.
The first one already arrived on May 1, and a second payment is coming on May 30. That’s because the regular June payment date—June 1—falls on a Sunday, so the SSA is sending that check a couple of days early.
Upcoming SSI Payment Dates for 2025
To help you plan ahead, here are the upcoming SSI payment dates for the rest of 2025:
- Friday, May 30 – June 2025 check
- Tuesday, July 1 – July 2025 check
- Friday, August 1 – August 2025 check
- Friday, August 29 – September 2025 check (early)
- Wednesday, October 1 – October 2025 check
- Friday, October 31 – November 2025 check (early)
- Monday, December 1 – December 2025 check
- Wednesday, December 31 – January 2026 check (early)
About 7.4 million Americans, including some children and people with disabilities or limited income, receive SSI. Nearly half of them also receive regular Social Security benefits.
While the timing may feel off this month, it’s all part of how the calendar lines up. Knowing your exact payment date and watching out for early or delayed months can help you stay prepared. If you’re ever unsure or don’t see your payment on time, the SSA advises waiting a few days before contacting them—chances are, it’s just on its way.
