Every month, Social Security beneficiaries in the United States look forward to their payment dates. After April payments have been sent out, many are now thinking about when they’ll get their money in May. But not everyone gets paid on the same day. Your payment date depends on things like when you started getting benefits and your birth date.
May is an exciting month because some people get their money earlier than usual. Let’s find out if you’re in that group and when you should expect your May payment.
Key Date for May: Who Will Get Paid First?
The first Social Security payment for May 2025 will be sent out on May 2, 2025. However, not everyone will get paid on that day. Only a special group of retirees, known as Group 1, will receive their checks on May 2.
So, who belongs to Group 1?
If you started getting Social Security benefits before May 1997, you are part of Group 1. This group always gets paid at the start of the month, no matter when their birthday is. It’s a way to make sure those who have been in the system the longest are taken care of early.
If you did not start receiving benefits before May 1997, you will not get your payment on May 2. Instead, you’ll have to wait until later in the month.
Payment Dates for Other Social Security Groups
If you are not in Group 1, don’t worry. You’ll still get your money, just a little later in May. Here’s when you can expect your payment based on your birthday and when you started receiving benefits:
Group 2
- Payment Date: May 14, 2025
- Who qualifies: You started receiving benefits after May 1997, and your birthday is between the 1st and 10th of any month.
Group 3
- Payment Date: May 21, 2025
- Who qualifies: You started receiving benefits after May 1997, and your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th.
Group 4
- Payment Date: May 28, 2025
- Who qualifies: You started receiving benefits after May 1997, and your birthday is between the 21st and 31st.
Why It’s Important to Know Your Group
Understanding which group you belong to helps you plan your finances better. You’ll know exactly when to expect your payment, which makes it easier to budget for the month.
Remember, just because you got your payment early in past months doesn’t mean you’ll always get it early. If you’re not part of Group 1, your payment won’t arrive on May 2. Make sure to check your group carefully to avoid any confusion.