May Social Security checks began arriving on the third of the month and will continue through the 30th. When your first payment arrives depends on your birthday.
Beneficiaries who filed claims after May 1, 1997, and receive retirement, disability or survivor benefits are paid on either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month. If you received benefits before May 1997, you also have a specific payment date. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are distributed monthly, usually on the first day of the month.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) prepares its payment schedules well in advance of checks being sent out. This ensures you receive your payments on time. For May, the recent cost of living adjustment (COLA), implemented in January, is factored in.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
That means you should see a slight uptick in your monthly Social Security checks, which should have started in January. The 2.5% cost-of-living (COLA) increase added a little less than $50 to the average monthly benefit of about $1,900, according to the SSA. That’s down from a 3.2% COLA in 2024, but in line with the average 2.6% increase over the past two decades.
If you didn't receive a check the first week of May, don't worry, you haven't missed anything. That's because twice a year the SSA skips a week of payments due to the nature of its payment schedule. The skipped weeks in 2025 are the weeks ending May 9 and August 8. The skipped weeks have no impact on the overall amount you receive each year.
So, when will you see your May 2025 payments?
The May Social Security payment calendar
If you collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits, your benefit payment date is determined by your birthday. If you get auxiliary benefits on someone else’s earnings record, spousal or survivor benefits, for example, your payment date is determined by that person’s birthday, not yours.
May Social Security payment dates
These are the dates you can expect your monthly payments for May 2025:
- May 14: If your birthday is on the first through 10th, you receive payment on the second Wednesday of the month.
- May 21: If your birthday is on the 11th through 20th, you receive payment on the third Wednesday of the month.
- May 28: If your birthday is on the 21st through 31st, you receive payment on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
If you received Social Security before May 1997 or if receiving both Social Security & SSI, Social Security is paid on the 3rd and SSI on the 1st. Because the 3rd of May is a Saturday, you should have received your check on the 2nd of May, a Friday.
In May, SSI recipients will also receive their June check on May 30, as June 1 falls on a Sunday.
For a more detailed 2025 schedule, see our story, Social Security Payment Schedule for 2025
Bigger checks this past April
For the first time in 2025, Social Security payments will follow their regular distribution schedule in April, 2025. And, for millions of recipients, the checks will be bigger than normal.
The SSA has started sending out bigger monthly checks in April thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act, a law signed in January, which eliminated the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which were intended to prevent anyone with a pension from “double-dipping” on federal benefits. Payments have now been recalculated for certain recipients. Retroactive lump sums went out this past February with higher monthly payments starting in April.
People affected by the repeal of the WEP should, on average, notice a $360 increase in their monthly checks. Spouses affected by the GPO repeal should see a $700 increase and surviving spouses should get a $1,190 increase, on average. If you qualify, you don’t have to do anything as the adjustment should be automatic.
How to report a missing Social Security payment
If you don’t receive your electronic payments on the scheduled date, contact your bank or financial institution. Sometimes, the Social Security Administration experiences a delay in posting your payment.
If you still need help, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office.
Want more guidance on retirement savings? Sign up for Kiplinger's six-week series, Invest for Retirement.
Related Content
- The Average Social Security Check by Age
- Social Security Basics: 12 Things You Must Know About Claiming and Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
- Delay Social Security Benefits — Even by a Month — to Boost Your Check
- When To Take Social Security Payments: Your Age is Key
- Retirement Calculator: How Much Do I Need to Retire?
-
Donating Complex Assets Doesn't Have to Be ComplicatedIf you're looking to donate less-conventional assets but don't know where to start, this charity executive has answers, such as considering a donor-advised fund (DAF) for its tax benefits and ease of use.
-
Travel trends you can expect this summerThe Kiplinger Letter Domestic trips will trump foreign travel amid economic uncertainties, though some costs are down.
-
Donating Complex Assets Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
If you're looking to donate less-conventional assets but don't know where to start, this charity executive has answers, such as considering a donor-advised fund (DAF) for its tax benefits and ease of use.
-
Think a Repeal of the Estate Tax Wouldn't Affect You? WrongThe wording of any law that repeals or otherwise changes the federal estate tax could have an impact on all of us. Here's what you need to know, courtesy of an estate planning and tax attorney.
-
In Your 50s? We Need to Talk About Long-Term CareMany people don't like thinking about long-term care, but most people will need it. This financial professional recommends planning for these costs as early as possible to avoid stress later.
-
Retire in Costa Rica for Expat HeavenWhen you retire in Costa Rica, you get natural beauty, ease of relocation and affordability. Will you become a part of its thriving expat community?
-
Over Half of Americans Stumble Financially After Losing a Loved One. Are You Prepared?Losing a loved one can be overwhelming, and for many, it also puts an unexpected strain on their finances, a study shows
-
Social Security Pop Quiz: Are You Among the 89% of Americans Who'd Fail?Shockingly few people have any clue what their Social Security benefits could be. This financial adviser notes it's essential to understand that info and when it might be best to access your benefits.
-
Want to Avoid High Blood Sugar as You Age? Stay MarriedA healthy blood sugar level can help you avoid type 2 diabetes as you age. If you're married, you can thank your spouse for making that a little bit easier.
-
New Bill Would Lower Age to Contribute to 401(k)s to 18 from 21. What You Need to KnowThe bipartisan Helping Young Americans Save for Retirement Act would lower the minimum age for participants in workplace retirement plans from 21 to 18.
