Social Security payments are a major source of income for millions of retired and disabled Americans. Knowing the exact dates of your Social Security payments can help you manage your budget better each month.
The payment schedule for May 2025 has been released, and the first payments have already started going out. But not everyone gets paid on the same day. Your payment date depends on when you started receiving benefits and your birth date.
How Much Can You Receive in May 2025?
While there are talks of payments going up to $3,600, it’s important to know that this is only an example, not a guaranteed amount. In fact, the maximum possible Social Security payment for 2025 is $5,108.
However, very few people receive this amount. Your actual benefit depends on your work history, how much you paid into Social Security, and when you started collecting benefits.
Who Will Get Paid on May 2, 2025?
The first round of payments this month went out on May 2, but only certain groups of people were included:
- Retirees who started receiving benefits before May 1997.
- People with disability benefits who also fall under this early retirement group.
- Spouses or dependents of beneficiaries who get paid together with the main account holder.
If you belong to one of these categories, your payment should have arrived on May 2. If not, don’t panic—your payment is likely scheduled for later in the month.
Remaining Social Security Payment Dates for May 2025
For those who retired after May 1997, the payment schedule is based on your birth date. Here are the rest of the payment dates for May:
- May 14 – If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th of the month.
- May 21 – If your birthday is between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- May 28 – If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st of the month.
It’s important to check your birth date and retirement year to see when you can expect your Social Security check to arrive. If you’re unsure, you can also use the tools on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or contact them directly.
Check Your Benefit Amount Carefully
Since each person’s payment is different, you should always verify the exact amount you receive. The size of your benefit depends on factors like:
- How many years you worked
- How much money you earned during those years
- When you decided to start collecting Social Security
- If you’re receiving spousal or disability benefits
If you think your payment is incorrect or missing, get in touch with the Social Security Administration right away. Keeping track of your payment history can help you spot any errors early.