If you receive Social Security or Disability (SSDI) benefits in the United States, it’s important to know when your money will arrive each month. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed the payment schedule for May 2025, and it follows a well-organised system based on your date of birth.
When Will You Get Paid in May 2025?
The SSA pays retirement and disability benefits on Wednesdays, using your birthdate to decide the exact date. For May 2025, the payments will go out on:
- May 14: For people born between the 1st and the 10th
- May 21: For those born from the 11th to the 20th
- May 28: For people born from the 21st to the 31st
This Wednesday system has been used for years because it helps the SSA manage a large number of payments without delays or technical issues. It also helps beneficiaries plan their monthly finances more easily.
What About the Other Payments in May?
Some people receive their benefits on a different date—this includes those who started getting benefits before May 1997, those who get both SSI and Social Security, or people living outside the U.S. They are paid on the 3rd of each month, or earlier if that day falls on a weekend or holiday.
In May 2025, the 3rd is a Saturday, so these payments will be sent on Friday, May 2 instead.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are handled under a separate calendar and are usually paid on the first business day of the month.
What Is the Maximum You Can Get in 2025?
The amount of money you receive each month from Social Security depends on your income history, retirement age, and how long you worked. Let’s look at the highest amounts possible:
Social Security Retirement Benefits
In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit is:
- $5,108 – for those who retire at age 70 and have had high earnings for at least 35 years, close to the taxable income limit of $176,100 per year.
If you retire earlier, the amount is lower:
- $2,831 – if you retire at age 62 (a 44.5% reduction)
- $5,108 – if you delay until age 70 (about 80% more than full retirement age benefits)
So, if you can afford to wait and continue working, your monthly income from Social Security could be much higher later on.
Disability Benefits (SSDI)
In 2025, the maximum SSDI benefit is $4,018 per month, up from $3,822 in 2024. This is for people who qualify based on full retirement age and have a strong earning history.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
For those with low or no income, SSI benefits in 2025 are:
- $967 per month – for individuals
- $1,450 per month – for people with a dependent spouse
SSI helps many elderly, blind, or disabled people who have little to no income.