Retirees and other beneficiaries receiving payments from the Social Security Administration are waiting for their new deposits, which should arrive next week, and even the week after that, because payments start as early as the first of the month and sometimes end almost at the end of each month.
The May 2025 payment schedule began on Thursday, May 1, for SSI beneficiaries who receive SSI benefits exclusively from this program. Friday, May 2, applies to those receiving SSA benefits from before May 1997 and to concurrent SSI + retirement beneficiaries. This date also applies to those residing abroad who continue to receive their benefits.
Social Security dates set for May 2025
On May 14, 21, and 28, SSA payments will be distributed by birthdate: the first group from the 1st to the 10th, the second group from the 11th to the 20th, and the third group from the 21st to the 31st, respectively. On Friday, May 30, SSI payments for June will be advanced, as June 1 falls on a weekend.
The Social Security benefits in 2025 depend on a person’s retirement age and the number of years they have contributed. The average monthly benefit for an individual retiree is $1,976, while couples receive an average of $3,089. The maximum benefit can reach up to $5,108 per month if retirement is delayed until age 70.
To access the maximum benefit, you must have 35 years of maximum taxable income and delay retirement. SSI payments, meanwhile, have a federal cap of $967 for an individual, while for couples applying together, the maximum payment is $1,450.
These amounts can be reduced if there is additional income or state support. For example, California and New York supplement the federal amounts. SSI payments are also adjusted for COLA, although the calculation differs from that applied to SSA.
Those who receive SSI and SSA simultaneously must consider the coordination rules. Their SSA payments are prioritized on May 3, while their SSI payments are issued separately. This synchronization prevents overlaps and ensures regulatory compliance.
What to do if your Social Security benefits don’t arrive on the expected date?
The Social Security Administration indicates that there is a way to proceed, following a few steps, before filing a formal claim. The first step is to wait at least three full business days after the payment due date. Sometimes delays are due to holidays, weekends, or banking network issues.
Check your bank account or Direct Express card to make sure the deposit hasn’t arrived late. Some banks may take a while to reflect the funds, even if the SSA has already sent the payment.
Your information should also be reviewed periodically: this includes your address, bank account (account number and routing), marital status, and other information the SSA deems relevant to ensure your payments arrive on time.
If your payment hasn’t arrived in more than three business days, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. Hearing-impaired users can call TTY 1-800-325-0778. Have your Social Security number and information about your delayed payments ready.
