Millions of Americans who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are in for a surprise this May. Instead of the usual single monthly payment, eligible SSI beneficiaries will get two deposits in May 2025—one at the beginning of the month and another at the end. This doesn’t mean extra money overall, but it’s important to plan carefully since it’s part of the regular payment schedule adjustment due to the calendar.
Let’s break down what’s happening, who qualifies, and how to manage the double payments wisely.
Why Will There Be Two SSI Payments in May?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) normally pays SSI on the 1st of every month. But when the 1st of a month falls on a weekend or holiday, the SSA sends the payment earlier. In this case, June 1, 2025, is a Sunday, so the June payment will be sent on Friday, May 30.
So, for May 2025, you will receive:
- Your regular monthly payment on May 1, and
- Your June payment early, on May 30.
This means no SSI deposit will be made in June—you’re still receiving one payment per month, just getting June’s early.
How Much Can You Get in May 2025?
With the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%, SSI payments have slightly increased to help match rising living costs.
Here are the maximum amounts:
- Single recipients can receive up to $967
- Eligible couples can receive up to $1,450
So, if you qualify for the full amount, you could receive up to $2,900 in May—covering both May and June payments.
Why You Might Not Get the Full Amount
Not everyone will receive the maximum SSI benefit. The SSA adjusts payments based on several factors like:
- Other income (e.g., from a job): If you earn from formal work, your benefit may reduce. For every $2 earned, your SSI may reduce by $1.
- Living situation: If you’re living with others and not paying your share of rent or expenses, your SSI can be reduced by up to $342.33.
- Resources: Owning certain assets or having money in the bank might also affect your eligibility and payment amount.
Budgeting Tips for the Double May Payments
Getting two payments in May might feel like a bonus, but it’s actually an advance, not extra income. That second payment is meant for June expenses, so it’s important not to spend it all at once.
Experts recommend:
- Split the May 30 payment for June’s bills and necessities.
- Avoid overdrawing your account in June, since no SSI will come that month.
- Monitor your bank—some banks might post your payment slightly earlier depending on their processing times.
What About SSDI and Other Social Security Payments?
This early payment setup only applies to SSI. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits, your payments will follow the normal schedule in June 2025:
- June 3, 12, or 18, depending on your birth date.
This often causes confusion, as SSDI and retirement benefits follow a birthday-based schedule, while SSI always arrives on the 1st of the month—unless it falls on a weekend or holiday.
No Need to Worry: You’re Not Losing a Payment
The SSA assures beneficiaries that this is not a reduction. Even though June won’t have a new deposit, you are still receiving the usual 12 payments in the year—just one is arriving early.
This calendar adjustment happens regularly and is a normal part of the SSA’s operations.
SSI recipients should take note: May 2025 brings two payments—on May 1 and May 30—because the SSA is advancing the June check due to the weekend. While this may seem like extra money, it’s important to remember that it’s simply an early payment.
Make sure to plan your spending carefully to cover your needs until the next deposit on July 1, 2025. This adjustment doesn’t affect your yearly total, and there’s no need to worry—just be sure to manage your funds wisely and stay aware of the calendar changes.
