In the United States, it’s uncommon to receive two Social Security payments in the same week, but it’s happening in the first week of May 2025 due to the way the payment dates line up for certain beneficiaries. This unusual situation involves two different payments—one for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the other for Group 1 retirees.
While it may seem like an extra benefit, these payments are actually due to the way Social Security schedules its payments. It’s not about receiving extra money, but about adjusting the payment dates to account for how the calendar works out. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening.
What Payments Are Coming This Week?
In the first week of May 2025, two different Social Security payments will be made:
- May 1st: The payment for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients.
- May 2nd: The payment for Group 1 retirees, who started receiving their benefits before May 1997.
These two payments happening so close together is not unusual for Social Security. It’s simply due to how their fixed payment schedule falls based on the calendar.
Who Can Receive Two Payments in the Same Week?
To receive both payments in the same week, you must meet a couple of important conditions:
- Type of Benefits: You must be receiving both retirement benefits and SSI benefits at the same time.
- Social Security Group 1: You must be in Group 1, which includes those who started receiving retirement benefits before May 1997. Group 1 generally receives their payment on the 3rd of each month, but in May 2025, the 3rd falls on a Saturday, so the payment will be moved to Friday, May 2.
On the other hand, SSI payments are always made on the 1st of the month, except when that day falls on a weekend or holiday. Since May 1st falls on a Wednesday, the payment will be made on that day as usual.
So, only people who receive both SSI and retirement benefits (and who are in Group 1) will get two payments in one week—one on May 1st and another on May 2nd.
How You Receive Your Payments
There is also a factor that can influence when you get your money. Beneficiaries who use Direct Deposit or a Direct Express Card will get their payments on the same day they are issued. However, if you receive your payment by check or through another method, it may take longer for the payment to reflect in your account.
Another Social Security Payment in May: The June Advance
In addition to this week’s payments, May 2025 will bring a third Social Security check for certain beneficiaries. This is the advance payment for June for SSI recipients. This payment will be made on Friday, May 30.
Why Is the Payment Being Made Early?
The reason for the advance payment is that June 1st falls on a Saturday. Social Security does not issue payments on weekends or holidays, so the June payment is made on the last business day of the previous month.
While this advance payment is not extra money, many people feel it gives them extra breathing room for the month. It’s just a shift in when the payment is received, not additional income.
Key Takeaway:
Some SSI beneficiaries will receive two payments in May—one on May 1st and the second on May 30th—but this is simply a change in payment timing and does not mean they are receiving more money.
To sum up, two Social Security payments in one week may seem confusing, but it’s just due to calendar adjustments and the way Social Security organizes its payment schedule. SSI beneficiaries who also retired before May 1997 will receive two payments this week: one on May 1st and another on May 2nd.
Additionally, a third payment will be made on May 30th as an advance for June 2025. These changes are temporary and ensure that everyone gets their payments on time, even if the first of the month falls on a weekend.
