Many retired and disabled people in the U.S. depend on monthly Social Security payments. In May 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send out these payments on different dates based on when a person was born. The first round of payments this month will go out next Wednesday, May 14, 2025, for those born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
This is part of the regular monthly payment schedule that the SSA follows to manage payments smoothly. If you receive Social Security and your birthday falls in this date range, be sure to check your account for the deposit.
How Does the Social Security Payment Schedule Work?
Since 1997, the SSA has been dividing payments into three groups each month to avoid delays and system overloads. The payment dates in May 2025 are as follows:
- People born between 1st–10th: Paid on May 14, 2025
- People born between 11th–20th: Paid on May 21, 2025
- People born between 21st–31st: Paid on May 28, 2025
Those who have been getting benefits since before 1997 usually receive their payments on the third day of the month, regardless of their birth date. If you’re not sure about your exact schedule, it’s best to check your account on the “my Social Security” platform.
Social Security Increase in 2025: What You Should Know
Good news for beneficiaries! In 2025, thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act signed earlier, Social Security payments went up starting in April, with the increase being retroactive to February. This means people started getting more money, but there were no new dates added for these payments—they’re included with your regular checks.
Another boost is the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for 2025, which is 2.5%. This helps people cope with inflation. However, how much you benefit from this increase depends on when you started collecting Social Security and how much you earned during your working life.
How Much Can You Get from Social Security in 2025?
The maximum monthly payment you can get from Social Security depends on the age at which you retire and how much you earned in your lifetime. Here’s a quick look:
- If you retire at age 70: Up to $5,108/month
- If you retire at full retirement age (66–67): Up to $4,018/month
- If you retire early at age 62: Up to $2,831/month
But most people don’t receive the maximum. According to the SSA, the average monthly benefit in 2025 is around $1,980.86, which is about $23,770 per year. These amounts help cover basic needs, but they’re often not enough for bigger expenses like housing or healthcare.
To reach the highest payout, you must have earned high wages consistently for 30+ years and delay your retirement until age 70. According to USA Today, less than 5% of people qualify for the maximum benefit.
Planning Ahead Is Important
While these payments are a lifeline for many older adults—some rely on Social Security for nearly 90% of their income—they may not be enough for all expenses. That’s why financial experts and organizations like AARP suggest planning ahead, especially for things like healthcare, rent, or emergency costs.
Also, make sure your birthdate and banking details are correct with the SSA. Errors could delay your payment. You can fix or check information easily through the official “my Social Security” website.