Millions of Americans depend on Social Security payments to meet their daily needs. Whether it’s because of retirement or disability, these monthly checks provide a steady income that helps families pay for essentials like rent, groceries, and medicines. Every payment, and even small increases in those payments, plays a big role in maintaining their financial security.
Now that the last payments for April have been sent, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is getting ready to send the first May deposit. Let’s look at who will receive it, what changes are included, and what you need to know.
Who Will Receive the May 7, 2025, Social Security Payment?
The next Social Security payment will be sent on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This payment includes the 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) that began in January 2025. COLA helps protect your buying power by adjusting benefits to match inflation.
The May 7 payment will go to:
- People who started receiving benefits after May 1997, and
- People whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th of any month.
This group includes both retirees and those receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). If you are part of this group, your money will either be deposited directly into your bank account or sent by mail, depending on the payment option you chose.
How Much Will Beneficiaries Receive After the COLA Increase?
The COLA increase has raised monthly benefits by 2.5%. Here’s what that means in simple numbers:
- The maximum retirement benefit is now $5,108 per month.
- The maximum disability benefit is now $4,018 per month.
However, your actual payment depends on your work history, how much you earned, and the age at which you started claiming benefits.
This increase is permanent and will continue to be included in future payments. It’s not a one-time bonus—it’s an important part of helping you keep up with rising costs.
What Is the COLA and Why Does It Matter?
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is a yearly increase applied to Social Security payments. It is designed to help people handle the higher prices of everyday goods and services. Even though a 2.5% raise may seem small, over time, it makes a big difference, especially for people living on a fixed income.
If you are already receiving benefits, you should have noticed the increase starting from your January 2025 payment.
For those planning to start collecting Social Security soon, there are smart ways to increase the amount you get:
- Delay your retirement: Waiting until after your full retirement age—and even up to 70 years—can give you a bigger monthly payment.
- Work for at least 35 years: Social Security calculates your benefits based on your top 35 years of earnings. Fewer years can lower your average earnings and your payment.
- Earn as much as you can: Higher lifetime earnings usually mean higher Social Security benefits.
If you are receiving disability benefits, you cannot choose when to start collecting. But it’s very important to make sure your work records are correct. Also, report any changes in your medical condition to the SSA to avoid problems with your benefits.
Social Security payments are a crucial part of life for millions of Americans. The May 7, 2025, payment continues the support that began with the COLA increase in January. Whether you are retired or living with a disability, knowing your payment schedule and understanding how the COLA works can help you plan better.
Every small increase adds up over time, giving you more security against the rising cost of living. By staying informed, checking your records, and planning your future smartly, you can make sure you get the maximum benefit from Social Security.