Millions of Americans who depend on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive two payments in May 2025, according to the latest update from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is not a bonus or extra payment, but rather an early payment for June that is being moved forward due to the way dates fall on the calendar.
If you receive SSI or care for someone who does, it’s important to understand why this happens, who gets the money, and how it affects your monthly income plan.
Why Are There Two SSI Payments in May?
The SSA calendar shows that in May, August, October, and December 2025, SSI beneficiaries will get two payments in the same month. This happens because the first day of the next month falls on a weekend or holiday, so the SSA moves the payment up to the last business day of the previous month.
So in May 2025:
- May 1: Regular May SSI payment.
- May 30: Payment for June, paid early because June 1 falls on a Sunday.
Will There Be a Payment in June?
No, because the June payment is already issued on May 30, there will not be another SSI deposit in June. This pattern helps make sure beneficiaries don’t experience delays just because of a weekend or public holiday.
This will happen again throughout 2025:
- August 1 & 29: For August and September payments.
- October 1 & 31: For October and November.
- December 1 & 31: For December and January 2026.
Although it may seem like you’re getting extra money, you’re still receiving 12 payments total per year, just with different timing in certain months.
Who Will Get Two SSI Payments in May?
There are about 7.4 million people in the U.S. receiving SSI. One-third of them also receive regular Social Security benefits, which means some individuals will receive three payments in May – two from SSI and one from Social Security.
Payment Dates Based on When You Started Receiving SSI:
- If you began before May 1997, your Social Security benefit arrives on the 3rd of each month.
- If you started after 1997, your Social Security payment comes based on your birth date.
To qualify for SSI, you must meet one of the following:
- Be 65 or older.
- Be an adult or child with a serious disability that limits your ability to work.
- Be blind, at any age.
You also need to meet citizenship or legal residency rules. Usually, you must be a U.S. citizen, though some refugees, asylees, or certain legal residents with work history may also qualify.
SSI Is Meant to Help with Basic Needs
The SSI program is funded by the U.S. Treasury, not by Social Security taxes. It’s designed to help people with low income and limited resources cover essential needs like food, housing, and clothing.
How Much Can You Get From SSI in 2025?
After the 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025, the new maximum SSI amounts are:
- $943 per month for an individual.
- $1,415 per month for a couple.
- $472 per month for an essential person (someone who cares for the recipient and lives with them).
Full 2025 SSI Payment Schedule
Here’s a quick view of the upcoming SSI payment dates for the rest of the year:
- May 1: May payment
- May 30: June payment
- July 1: July payment
- August 1 and 29: August and September payments
- October 1 and 31: October and November payments
- December 1 and 31: December and January 2026 payments
If you receive SSI, knowing the updated schedule can help you manage your finances better. Though some months like May may seem to give “double” payments, it’s actually the same yearly total, just rescheduled. Keep track of the dates, check your bank account or mailbox regularly, and if needed, contact SSA for help. Direct deposit is always the safest and quickest way to receive your funds.
