In May 2025, approximately 69 million Americans will receive their Social Security payments, including retirees and those with qualifying disabilities.
The newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and supported by the Trump administration, has set its sights on the Social Security program.
The agency aims to reduce federal spending by implementing job cuts, office closures, an overhaul of customer service strategies, and increased scrutiny to tackle fraud.
Among those benefiting from Social Security are approximately 7.4 million Americans receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), with many of them also being recipients of Social Security.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Social Security payment schedule for May 2025 and the SSI distribution process.
Social Security Payment Schedule for May 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has published the annual payment schedule for 2025, enabling recipients to plan their finances effectively. The schedule is as follows:
| Payment Date | Recipients’ Birthdates |
|---|---|
| May 2, 2025 | Social Security recipients who started before May 1997 |
| May 14, 2025 | Birthdates from 1st to 10th |
| May 21, 2025 | Birthdates from 11th to 20th |
| May 28, 2025 | Birthdates from 21st to 31st |
Payments are distributed according to the usual SSA schedule, with retirees and other beneficiaries receiving their checks on the appropriate date based on their birthdate.
SSI Recipients: Double Payments in May 2025
In May, SSI recipients will receive two payments:
- May 1, 2025 – The regular payment for May.
- May 30, 2025 – The payment for June 2025.
If the 1st of the month falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, SSI payments are issued earlier. For example, June 1st, 2025, falls on a Sunday, prompting an early release for June’s payment.
What Is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program designed to assist individuals who have limited income and resources.
The SSA provides monthly benefits to those who meet specific criteria, including those aged 65 and older, those who are blind, or those with a qualifying disability. Additionally, children with disabilities may qualify for SSI.
- Eligibility Requirements: Adults typically must not have monthly wages exceeding $2,019 to qualify for SSI benefits.
- Application Process: Individuals can apply for SSI online, in person at their local Social Security office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
SSI Payment Schedule for 2025
For the remainder of 2025, SSI payments will be made on the following dates:
| Payment Date | Payment Month |
|---|---|
| May 1, 2025 | May Payment |
| May 30, 2025 | June Payment |
| July 1, 2025 | July Payment |
| August 1, 2025 | August Payment |
| August 30, 2025 | September Payment |
| October 1, 2025 | October Payment |
| October 31, 2025 | November Payment |
| December 1, 2025 | December Payment |
| December 31, 2025 | January 2026 Payment |
What to Do If You Miss Your Payment
If you don’t receive your payment on the scheduled date, the SSA recommends waiting an additional three days for your payment to arrive.
Most payments (around 99%) are made electronically and are delivered on time. If you still haven’t received your payment after this waiting period, you can contact the Social Security Administration.
Visiting a Social Security Office in New York
For those needing in-person assistance, here are some Social Security office locations in New York (excluding NYC and Long Island):
- Albany County: 11 A Clinton Ave., Room 430, Federal Building
- Broome County: 2 Court St., Suite 300, Binghamton
- Erie County: 478 Main St., Suite 200, Buffalo; 1900 Ridge Road, Suite 120, West Seneca
- Monroe County: 200 E. Main St., Rochester; 4050 W. Ridge Road, Greece
- Onondaga County: 100 S. Clinton St., Federal Building, Syracuse
- Westchester County: 1 Park Place, Peekskill; 297 Knollwood Road, White Plains
When Can You Start Collecting Social Security?
You can begin collecting Social Security at age 62, but doing so will reduce your monthly benefit. To receive the full benefit, you must wait until you reach full retirement age. This age has gradually increased in recent years and now varies depending on the year of birth. For example:
- Born in 1958: Full retirement age is 66 years and 8 months.
- Born in 1959: Full retirement age is 66 years and 10 months.
- Born in 1960 or later: Full retirement age is 67.
For those born between May 2, 1958, and February 28, 1959, full retirement age will occur in 2025.
As millions of Americans eagerly await their Social Security payments in May 2025, the payment schedule and SSI updates are crucial for financial planning.
Whether you’re a retiree or someone receiving disability benefits, keeping track of these dates and knowing what to do in case of delays will help ensure smooth access to your benefits. Always stay informed and contact SSA if any issues arise with your payments.
FAQs
When will the May 2025 Social Security payments be distributed?
The May Social Security payments will be issued according to the usual SSA schedule, with the first payment on May 2, 2025.
How are SSI payments affected in May 2025?
SSI recipients will receive two payments in May: one on May 1 (for May) and one on May 30 (for June).
What should I do if my Social Security payment is late?
If your payment doesn’t arrive on the scheduled date, wait three additional mailing days before contacting the Social Security Administration.