Under Social Security Administration (SSA) rules, there are several rounds of payments every month, to over 70 million of American recipients. For starers, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive two deposits in May.
On the other hand, Social Security payments will be distributed over four dates, adjusted by business days and birthday ranges. May 1 corresponds to the regular SSI payment for that month. Since it is Thursday, it does not require adjustments.
On May 2, the Social Security payment will be advanced for those who receive benefits on the 3rd, since that year it falls on a Saturday.
Social Security (retirement) beneficiaries receive three more payments in May
On May 14, Social Security beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month will receive their payment. May 21 corresponds to those born between the 11th and the 20th. May 28 will cover those born between the 21st and the 31st.
On May 30, the SSI payment for June will be issued, since the 1st of that month is a Sunday. This implies that there will be no SSI deposits in June, although Social Security deposits will follow their usual schedule.
SSA reschedules payments if the original date falls on weekends or federal holidays. This policy explains the advance of SSI from June to May 30. For Social Security, beneficiaries who started before 1997 or receive both programs receive 3, adjusted to the previous business day, which is May 2.
That said, it’s worth noting that SSI recipients will not receive any deposits in June, and will have to wait for their next payment on July 1.
What types of benefits does Social Security handle in the United States?
Retirement benefits are monthly payments for workers who have accumulated enough work credits during their working life. The minimum age to access is 62, but the amount increases if it is postponed until 67 (full age) or 70. The calculation is based on the 35 years of highest income subject to Social Security taxes.
It also distributes Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI). Aimed at people with medically proven disabilities that prevent them from working for at least 12 months or that may result in death. It requires having worked and contributed to the system for a specific amount of time, depending on age. Beneficiaries can also access Medicare after 24 months of receiving payments.
We can also mention Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a benefit for older adults (65+), people with disabilities or blindness, and children with severe functional limitations, all with low income and resources. It does not depend on work history, but requires meeting strict asset limits (example: less than $2,000 for singles). It is financed with general taxes, not with Social Security funds.
There are also “Survivors” and “Dependant” benefits, for relatives of deceased workers who contributed to the system. Includes payments to widowed spouses (from 60 or 50 if disabled), children under 18 (or 19 if studying) or disabled, and dependent parents over 62. The amount depends on the deceased’s work record.
Spouses can receive up to 50% of the holder’s retirement or SSDI amount if they are 62 years old or care for a child under 16. Biological, adopted or stepchildren qualify if they are under 18 (or 19 if they are in high school).
The highest benefit paid by the SSA is the $5,108 retirement in 2025: it’s reserved for less than 1% of the beneficiaries who had a long work history with the highest taxable income and that paid in full their Social Security taxes.
Other benefits handled by the SSA
Although primarily managed by CMS, SSA handles enrollment and determines eligibility. Includes Part A (hospitalization) and Part B (medical). Most access it at age 65 or after 24 months of receiving SSDI. It also manages income-based premium subsidies (Extra Help and QMB programs).
It includes one-time payments such as the Lump-Sum Death Payment ($255 to qualifying spouses or children) and benefits for historical groups, such as railroad workers or World War II veterans with services not covered by other pensions. These cases are minority and subject to specific criteria.