Millions of Americans are set to receive their second round of Social Security payments in May 2025, with deposits landing in bank accounts this week.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes payments on a staggered schedule each month, and recipients are watching closely to see when their checks will arrive.
Here’s a breakdown of this week’s upcoming deposits — and who qualifies.
Who Is Getting Paid This Week?
The SSA pays Social Security benefits based on birth dates for those who started receiving benefits after May 1997.
These payments are part of the regularly scheduled monthly disbursements and do not represent bonus or extra benefits.
- May 15: Payments went out to individuals born between the 1st and 10th of the month.
- May 22: The next round of checks will be sent to beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th.
- May 29: Final May payments will be issued to recipients born between the 21st and 31st.
If you started receiving benefits before May 1997, you should have already received your May payment on May 3.
Who Is Eligible?
You are eligible for May Social Security payments if you are receiving any of the following:
- Retirement Benefits
- Survivor Benefits
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The schedule does not apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, who were paid on May 1.
It also doesn’t apply to those who qualify for Social Security and SSI and get payments on a unique schedule.
If you’re unsure of your eligibility or payment status, you can check your My Social Security account or contact the SSA directly.
How Much Are the Social Security Payments?
Thanks to the 2024 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase of 3.2%, the average benefit amounts for 2025 are:
- $1,907/month for retired workers
- $1,537/month for widows or widowers
- $1,489/month for disabled workers
Your actual payment may differ based on your lifetime earnings, age at retirement, and whether you receive additional benefits for dependents.
Payment Delays? Here’s What to Do
While most payments are processed on time, some recipients may experience delays. If your check hasn’t arrived:
- Wait three business days before contacting the SSA.
- Check your direct deposit account or mailbox for issues.
- Visit the SSA website or call 1-800-772-1213 for support.
Why This Matters To Seniors
Social Security remains a critical income source for over 67 million Americans, especially seniors and people with disabilities.
Timely payments help cover essential needs like rent, groceries, utilities, and medical bills.
As inflation continues to impact household budgets, even slight delays can cause stress — making it all the more important to know when your next check is coming.
Upcoming Social Security Payment Dates
To help you plan ahead, here are the key remaining Social Security payment dates for May 2025:
Birth Date Range | Payment Date |
---|---|
11th–20th | May 22, 2025 |
21st–31st | May 29, 2025 |
Be sure to mark your calendar and monitor your bank account or mailbox accordingly.