If you’re a Social Security recipient, you could be receiving your benefit check on May 3, 2025. However, this payment is exclusive to a specific group of retirees, and not all recipients will get their check on this day. Understanding the Social Security payment schedule and the groups of retirees is essential for knowing when to expect your next check.
Who Receives the Social Security Payment on May 3, 2025?
The May 3 payment will be for Group 1 retirees. This group includes individuals who have been receiving Social Security benefits since before May 1997. If you are in Group 1, you will receive your Social Security payment on May 3, and this will be the first payment of the month.
If you did not start receiving benefits before May 1997, your payment will not arrive on May 3. Instead, you will receive your check on another scheduled payment day in May.
Social Security Payment Schedule for May 2025
For clarity, here’s how the payment schedule breaks down for the different groups of retirees:
- Group 1: Receives their check on May 3, 2025. This group includes individuals who have been receiving benefits since before May 1997.
- Group 2, 3, and 4: These groups will receive their payments later in May, with exact dates depending on their individual schedules. However, Group 1 retirees will always receive their payment on the first day of the month or a designated date for that month.
If you are a Group 1 retiree, your April payment would have arrived on April 3, the usual payment date for this group.

How Much Will I Receive in May?
The amount of your Social Security payment depends on the type of benefits you’re receiving. Whether it’s a disability, retirement due to age, or another type of benefit, the amount you receive is not linked to the payment date. For instance, whether you receive a $3,500 check or a $5,000+ check, the payment day remains the same for Group 1 retirees, which is May 3.
However, if you are not in Group 1, your payment will arrive later in the month, based on your group’s schedule.
What If I Don’t Receive My Payment on May 3?
If you are eligible for the May 3 payment but do not receive your check, first ensure that your Direct Deposit details are correct. If you receive your payment by check, it may take a little longer for the payment to reach you, especially if it’s mailed.
If you have not received your payment after a reasonable period, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to check for any issues or delays.
The May 3, 2025 Social Security payment is exclusively for Group 1 retirees—those who have been receiving Social Security benefits since before May 1997. If you belong to Group 1, you will receive your payment on May 3, regardless of the amount of your benefits.
If you are not part of Group 1, you will receive your check on another scheduled date later in May. Always ensure that your payment method is set up correctly to avoid delays and ensure a smooth process.