Millions of Americans count on Social Security payments to support their daily lives—whether due to retirement or disability. These monthly payments help cover essential costs like rent, medicine, food, and utilities. And when the Social Security Administration (SSA) announces an increase, it means a lot for those who depend on every dollar.
After April’s final payment, the first Social Security deposit for May 2025 will be sent out on Wednesday, May 7. This payment includes the 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) that began in January 2025, helping retirees and disabled individuals keep up with rising prices.
Let’s see who will receive this payment and what the COLA increase means for beneficiaries.
Who Will Receive the May 7 Social Security Payment?
The May 7 payment is for people in Group 2 of the SSA payment schedule. You belong to this group if:
You started receiving Social Security after May 1997, and
Your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month
If you meet both conditions, you’ll receive your Social Security check on May 7, either through direct deposit or by mail, depending on the option you chose.
This payment applies to both:
- Retirees
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries
How Much Will You Receive?
The 2.5% COLA increase is already part of your monthly payment since January 2025. This May 7 payment continues that increase.
Here’s what some people may receive:
- Maximum for retirees: $5,108/month
- Maximum for SSDI recipients: $4,018/month
However, not everyone will receive the maximum. Your actual amount depends on:
- Your lifetime earnings
- When you started receiving benefits
- Your work history
What Is the COLA and Why It Matters
COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) is not a bonus. It’s a permanent increase added to your monthly Social Security benefits to help you deal with inflation. Prices of daily essentials like food, rent, and medicine go up each year. The COLA helps ensure that Social Security payments don’t lose value over time.
Even though 2.5% might seem like a small increase, it adds up across the year and makes a real difference, especially for those on a fixed income.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Social Security Benefits
For those planning to retire soon, here are some ways to get higher monthly payments:
Delay claiming your benefits: The longer you wait—up to age 70—the higher your monthly amount will be.
Work at least 35 years: Your benefits are based on your 35 highest-earning years. Fewer than 35 years can reduce your average.
Increase your income during your working years: Higher earnings mean higher benefits.
Disability beneficiaries do not have control over when to apply, but it’s important to:
- Make sure all work years are correctly recorded
- Inform SSA of any changes in health condition
- Review SSA records regularly for any errors
If you’re in Group 2 and meet the criteria, your May 7, 2025, Social Security payment will include the 2.5% COLA increase. Whether you’re retired or receiving disability benefits, this adjustment is a way the SSA helps protect your buying power in tough economic times.
Knowing your payment schedule, benefit amount, and the impact of COLA can help you plan better. And if you’re nearing retirement, make smart decisions about when and how to claim to get the most out of your Social Security benefits in the long run.
