The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially confirmed that a fresh round of payments is scheduled for May 14, 2025. Millions of Americans will receive up to $2,000, thanks to the 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that was applied earlier this year.
This payment cycle applies to retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors who receive their benefits on the second Wednesday of the month. If you were born between the 1st and 10th of any month and started collecting benefits after May 1997, this payment is for you!
Let’s take a closer look at who qualifies, how the payment schedule works, and what to do if your money doesn’t show up.
Who Will Get Paid on May 14?
If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month, and you started receiving Social Security after May 1997, then May 14 is your payday. You can expect a deposit of around $2,000, depending on your individual Social Security benefit.
This will be the third scheduled payment for May 2025, part of the SSA’s organized system based on birth dates.
SSA Payment Calendar for May 2025
The SSA divides monthly payments into different groups to ensure smooth and timely processing. Here’s the full payment schedule for May:
- May 2: Payment for those who started receiving benefits before May 1997 (paid on the third business day).
- May 14: For beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th.
- May 21: For those born between the 11th and 20th.
- May 28: For those born between the 21st and 31st.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients receive their payments on the 1st of every month, unless it falls on a weekend or holiday. In such cases, payments are sent on the previous business day.
What If the Payment Date Is on a Weekend or Holiday?
The SSA adjusts its schedule when the normal payment date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. Instead of delaying the payment, the SSA sends it earlier, usually on the Friday before the holiday or weekend.
This helps ensure that recipients get their money on time and avoid late payments.
How Much Will You Receive This Month?
Thanks to the 2.5% COLA increase applied for 2025, average Social Security payments have gone up. Here’s what you can expect:
- Retirement benefits (average): $1,999.97 (rounded to $2,000)
- Disability benefits (SSDI): $1,581.88
- Survivor benefits: $1,565.52
- SSI (low-income or disabled individuals): $717.87
However, your final amount depends on your work history, earnings, and retirement age.
How to Check if Your Payment Has Arrived
The easiest way to confirm if your Social Security payment has been deposited is to check your bank account on the day listed in the payment calendar.
Most people receive their money through direct deposit, and the funds usually appear early in the morning.
You can also log into your my Social Security account on the SSA’s website (ssa.gov) to view your payment details and history.
What to Do If Your Check Doesn’t Arrive
It’s rare, but sometimes there may be delays due to banking issues or technical problems. If your payment hasn’t arrived:
- Wait for three business days
- If still no deposit, contact the SSA or visit your local Social Security office
- Make sure to carry your Social Security number and identification
It’s important not to panic—delays are uncommon, and the SSA has systems in place to track and resolve payment issues quickly.
