If you’re counting on your Social Security income, it’s important to know exactly when your next payment will arrive. In May 2025, payments are being sent out according to the usual schedule set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Some people have already received their payment this month, but don’t worry if you haven’t – two more payment dates are still coming.
Also, if you’re planning your retirement or thinking about how to get more money from Social Security, there are some smart ways to increase your future payments. In fact, some people could receive as much as $5,108 a month by using a few long-term strategies.
When Are Social Security Payments Coming in May 2025?
In May 2025, Social Security is paying benefits on four dates. Here’s the breakdown:
- May 2: This payment went to people who started receiving benefits before May 1997. It also includes those who live outside the U.S. or get both Social Security and SSI (Supplemental Security Income).
- May 14: This was the second payment of the month. It went to people whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- May 21: The next payment will go out on this day to people born between the 11th and 20th.
- May 28: The final May payment is for people born between the 21st and 31st.
If you’re waiting for your payment, just check your birth date to know which date applies to you. Payments usually arrive on time, but it’s always good to track your account or bank notifications.
How to Get More from Social Security: Tips That Work
While Social Security gives regular monthly payments, not everyone gets the same amount. Your monthly benefit depends on your work history, how much you earned during your career, and when you choose to start collecting benefits.
Tip 1: Work More Years and Earn More
Social Security looks at your top 35 earning years. If you don’t have 35 full years of work, zero-earning years are added in, which lowers your average. So, working more years – especially with a good salary – can help push your benefits higher.
In 2025, if you earn at least $176,100 (the taxable income limit), and you’ve done that for at least 35 years, you can qualify for the maximum benefit.
Tip 2: Delay Claiming Your Benefit
The earlier you start, the less money you get. Here’s what the benefit looks like if you start at different ages:
- At 62: $2,831 per month (reduced early benefit)
- At 66: $3,795 per month
- At 67: $4,043 per month
- At 70: $5,108 per month (maximum possible)
Waiting until age 70 increases your benefit by more than 80% compared to starting at 62. That’s a big boost if you can afford to wait a few years.
Why Delaying Can Be a Smart Move
Even though it may seem hard to delay retirement, doing so can really pay off in the long term. Every year you wait between age 62 and 70 adds around 8% to your monthly payment. This makes a huge difference over the years, especially if you live a long life.
Also, working longer not only increases your monthly check but also reduces any penalty for taking benefits early.