In May 2025, people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will notice something different—they’ll get two payments, one on May 1 and another on May 30. Many may think this is a bonus or extra money, but it’s actually just an early deposit for June’s payment. The reason? June 1 is a Sunday, and government offices don’t process payments on weekends or holidays. So, the June payment is sent on the last business day of May.
This is a regular procedure by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and it happens several times during the year whenever the 1st of a month lands on a weekend or public holiday.
How Much Can You Receive in May 2025?
In 2025, the maximum SSI payment is:
- $967 for individuals
- $1,450 for couples
So, if you receive two payments in May, you could get:
- Up to $1,934 if you’re single
- Up to $2,900 if you’re a couple
Remember, these two payments are for May and June, not a bonus. It just looks like more money because both deposits arrive in the same month.
What Is SSI and Who Can Get It?
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a federal assistance program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It’s meant to help people who have low income and limited resources, especially:
- Adults aged 65 or older
- People with disabilities
- People who are blind
This support helps pay for basic living needs, like food, shelter, and medical care.
What Are the Eligibility Rules?
To qualify for SSI, you must meet certain income and resource limits:
- Individuals can’t have more than $1,000 in countable resources.
- Couples must stay under $2,000.
Resources like your main home, one car, and necessary personal items are not counted.
Your income must also stay within limits. Here’s how different income types affect your SSI:
Earned Income
Only the first $85 of income you earn from working is ignored. After that, for every $1 you earn, your SSI benefit is reduced by 50 cents.
Unearned Income
If you get other benefits like pensions or family support, your SSI payment is reduced by $1 for every $1 you receive.
Non-Cash Support
If you get free housing or food, your payment can be cut by up to $342.33, because the government sees it as support.
What About Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)?
Each year, SSI amounts go up a bit to match inflation. This adjustment is called the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment). In 2025, COLA increased SSI payments by 2.5%. That means:
- Individual benefits went from $943 in 2024 to $967 in 2025
- Couple benefits rose from $1,415 to $1,450
The COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W). It helps SSI payments keep up with rising prices for basic goods and services.
Why Do People Think It’s an Extra Payment?
Many people get confused when they see two SSI payments in the same month. But this is not a bonus or extra benefit. It’s simply a payment timing adjustment.
The SSA always sends out early payments when the 1st of a month is a Sunday or public holiday. But the number of payments per year stays the same—12 per year. If you get two in one month, you won’t receive any in the next month’s first day.
If you’re an SSI recipient, seeing two deposits in May 2025 is nothing to worry about—it’s normal. It just means your June payment is arriving early. Understanding how and why this happens can help avoid confusion and plan your monthly budget better. While the money may seem more, it’s just the regular benefit arriving ahead of schedule due to the calendar.
