Social Security Payment May 21: Many people who get Social Security or SSI payments felt confused this May. That’s because the way the calendar days fall this year caused some payments to arrive later than usual. People who rely on this money every month started worrying when their payments didn’t show up on the usual date.
Usually, Social Security payments go out on Wednesdays. The exact date depends on the person’s birthday. But in May 2025, the way the Wednesdays are spaced means some payments are scheduled for the latest possible dates. So, many people are seeing their money arrive later than they are used to. If someone gets Social Security through their spouse’s work record, the payment date follows the spouse’s birthday instead.
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There’s a different rule for people who started getting Social Security before May 1997. They always get their payment on the 3rd of each month. If they also receive SSI, then the SSI payment comes on the 1st of the month.
SSI Receivers Get a Surprise Second Check
There’s some good news for people who get SSI. In May, they’ll get a second payment. The first one came on May 1, just like always. But the second will come on May 30. This is happening because June 1 falls on a Sunday, and the government always sends payments early if the regular date is on a weekend. So, the June SSI check is arriving at the end of May instead.
SSI helps around 7.4 million people in the U.S. That includes people with disabilities, seniors, and kids with low income. Around half of these people also get normal Social Security payments.
Official SSA payment schedule for May 2025
- Wednesday, May 14: If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- Wednesday, May 21: If you were born between the 11th and the 20th, this is your payday.
- Wednesday, May 28: If you were born between the 21st and 31st, you will receive your benefit on that day.
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What to Do if Your Payment is Late
If your Social Security payment didn’t come on time, the Social Security Administration says to wait three business days before you contact them. They say delays are rare because 99% of payments go through direct deposit now. So usually, the money shows up without a problem.
People should also mark their calendars for the next few SSI payment dates. After the May 30 check, the next payments will arrive on July 1, August 1, August 29, October 1, October 31, December 1, and December 31.
