Social Security Payments Update for May 2025: Check Schedule Announced

WASHINGTON — Social Security continues to make updates affecting beneficiaries, including increased payments for some and the elimination of paper checks. Most of the nearly 74 million Social Security recipients will not see significant changes this month.

For most recipients, payments are distributed on Wednesdays throughout the month, based on their birth dates. Those born from the 1st to the 10th receive their payment on the second Wednesday, May 14. Individuals with birth dates between the 11th and 20th receive payments on May 21, while those born after the 20th will be paid on May 28.

This month, recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which assists individuals with disabilities or limited resources, will receive two checks. The first check will be for May, issued on May 1, and the second will be for June, scheduled on May 30. This adjustment is necessary as June 1 falls on a Sunday, thus pushing the payment date earlier.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), individuals entitled to SSI mainly include those aged 65 or older, individuals who are blind, or those with qualifying disabilities. A significant portion of SSI recipients also receive additional benefits from Social Security.

It’s important to note that some recipients will receive three payments this month due to overlapping schedules. Those who qualify for both Social Security and SSI benefits may see their accounts credited with additional payments for May.

The SSA will stop issuing paper checks by September 30, 2025. Subsequently, all payments will be executed digitally, either through direct deposit or other digital platforms. This change aims to enhance security and reduce costs associated with mailed checks.

For future reference, beneficiaries can find detailed payment schedules on the SSA’s website to assist with budgeting. If Social Security payments do not arrive on time, the SSA advises waiting three additional postal days before making inquiries.