If you’re receiving Social Security payments in the U.S., you might be wondering exactly when your money will arrive in May 2025. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has already shared the full schedule for retirement benefits, so people can plan ahead and avoid confusion.
Whether you receive your payment early or later in the month depends on when you started receiving benefits and your birth date. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you know exactly what to expect.
Four Main Payment Groups: Who Gets Paid When?
There are four groups of people who receive Social Security payments. Which group you’re in depends on when you started receiving benefits and your birthday.
Group 1: Before May 1997
If you started getting Social Security benefits before May 1997, your payment is usually sent on the 3rd of each month. But in May 2025, the 3rd falls on a Saturday, and the SSA doesn’t send payments on weekends. So, this group will get their money on Friday, May 2, 2025.
Group 2: Birthdays from 1st to 10th
If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th of any month, your payment will arrive on the second Wednesday of May. That’s May 14, 2025.
Group 3: Birthdays from 11th to 20th
If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, your money will come on the third Wednesday of the month, which is May 21, 2025.
Group 4: Birthdays from 21st to 31st
If your birthday is from the 21st to the 31st, you will receive your payment on the fourth Wednesday, which is May 28, 2025.
Summary of May 2025 Payment Dates
Here’s a quick look at the payment dates in May:
| Group | Birthdate Range or Condition | Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Benefits started before May 1997 | May 2, 2025 |
| 2 | Birthdays 1st – 10th | May 14, 2025 |
| 3 | Birthdays 11th – 20th | May 21, 2025 |
| 4 | Birthdays 21st – 31st | May 28, 2025 |
How Much Will You Receive in May 2025?
The average monthly Social Security payment in 2025 is about $1,976 for individuals. Couples who both receive Social Security can get around $3,089 per month. These amounts include a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to help with rising living costs.
However, the amount you receive can be different depending on your own situation. Things like how many years you worked, how much you earned, and the age you started claiming benefits all matter.
Examples of Payment Differences
If you retire at the full retirement age of 67, the maximum monthly benefit can be up to $4,018.
If you choose to delay your retirement until age 70, your payment could go up to $5,108 per month. This is because you earn extra credit for waiting longer to claim your benefits.
Every person’s situation is unique, and your final payment amount might be more or less depending on your history of income and contributions.
Social Security payments continue to be a key support system for retired individuals in the U.S. In May 2025, the schedule is well planned and depends mainly on your birthday and when you started collecting benefits. With monthly payments adjusted for inflation, these funds help many people manage their daily expenses.
To avoid any surprises, it’s important to know your group and check the SSA payment calendar regularly. And if you’re planning your retirement, understanding how timing affects your monthly benefit can help you make better decisions for the future.
