Social Security checks in the month of May 2025 may come in slightly differently. Although one group of beneficiaries are expected to receive double payments, another group is said to expect payment delays this May. The expected SSA payment delays are due to the sweeping systemic changes that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has seen in the last year. Perhaps a few calendar quirks are required due to the deeper structural issues as a result of the internal staffing cuts and policy shifts.
Which recipients will receive two payments in May?
Approximately 7,4 million Americans receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will notice something different in May, two SSI payments instead of one. SSI recipients include citizens who are disabled, blind, or have minimal income and assets. This month SSI beneficiaries will see payments arriving differently. The rule is if the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA issues payments on the last business day before.
Since May 1 falls on Thursday, SSI beneficiaries will receive their payment then as per usually. However, in May, they will also receive their June SSI payment by Friday, May 30. The reason for the early payment is due to the fact that June 1 falls on the weekend. Although the double payment in May will seem like a bonus, the SSA warns recipients that they should use their benefits wisely and budget as they normally would.
The reason why two SSI payments are received in some months is so as to avoid putting unnecessary strain on recipients and ensuring that recipients don’t have to wait beyond the first of the month to receive their benefits.
The maximum SSI benefit monthly in 2025 is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, however, the amount that each recipient receives differs based on income, the recipient’s household situation, and other eligibility factors.
Which Social Security beneficiaries will receive delayed payment?
While the SSI recipients will find double payments hitting their accounts this May, another group of retirees, survivors, and those receiving spousal benefits will encounter frustrating delays in payments. The predicted delay is due to the sweeping updates that SSA is making to its internal systems, including that of the 50% reduction of IT staff and an ongoing migration away from archaic programming infrastructure.
Media outlets such as Newsweek have stated that the SSA has embarked on a major manual update of beneficiary records that will take months to complete. This manual update along with the more stringent identity verification procedures that started in April will significantly slow down the processing of benefits, more so for the new applicants.
As per the SSA change in the identity verification process, applicants will need to complete all the in-person identity verification steps, making the process of receiving SSA benefits all the more tiring. Those who recently changed their direct deposit or moved could also experience temporary disruptions in payment processing.
Most SSA beneficiaries are told to use its online portal so as to avoid delays. Beneficiaries are further urged to update personal information, more particularly their direct deposit details and mailing addresses.
The unpredictability of the SSA in the month ahead
The SSA is also facing mounting criticism for reduced customer service availability. Due to staffing shortages and the DOGE’s office closures and staff cuts, many beneficiaries are receiving limited help when they need assistance with their benefits.
The Social Security payment schedule for those receiving retirement, survivor, or spousal benefits will follow the regular schedule, based on the recipient’s birth date:
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May 2: For those receiving both SSI and Social Security or for those who began receiving benefits before May 1997.
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May 14: Birthdays between the 1st and 10th.
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May 21: Birthdays between the 11th and 20th.
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May 28: Birthdays between the 21st and 31st.
Both early payments and possible payment delays can be expected from May onwards and SSA beneficiaries need to stay aware of all aspects related to the SSA to avoid confusion and financial stress.
