In May 2025, many people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will notice two payments coming into their accounts. While this might seem like a bonus or extra money, it’s not actually an increase. It’s just a change in the payment schedule made by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make sure everyone gets their money on time.
What Is SSI and How Does It Work?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly benefit given to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and have limited income or resources. These payments usually come on the 1st day of every month.
But if the 1st of the month falls on a weekend or a holiday, the SSA sends the money a little earlier—on the last working day before the 1st. That’s exactly what’s happening in May 2025.
Why Are There Two SSI Payments in May 2025?
Here’s the reason for the two payments:
The usual payment for June 1, 2025, falls on a Sunday. Since banks don’t process payments on weekends, the SSA will send June’s payment on Friday, May 30. So, people will get:
- One payment on May 1 (as usual for the month of May)
- Another payment on May 30 (for the month of June)
This means there will be no SSI payment in June because you already received it at the end of May.
Is This an Extra Payment?
No, it’s not an extra or bonus payment. It’s just the June payment arriving early. So you’ll still get only one payment per month—it’s just that May will have two, and June will have none.
This change helps prevent delays in receiving money during weekends or holidays. It’s something the SSA has been doing since 1997.
Who Will Receive These Payments?
Everyone who qualifies for SSI and continues to meet all the rules will get these two deposits in May.
To remain eligible, you must:
- Have low or no income
- Have resources under $2,000 (or $3,000 for couples)
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident with valid immigration status
If your income, resources, or immigration status changes, your SSI payments may stop. So it’s important to keep your information updated with the SSA.
SSI Payment Amounts in 2025
Thanks to a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) added in January 2025, the maximum SSI payment amounts are:
- $967 per month for individuals
- $1,450 per month for couples
If you have other sources of income, like a pension or help from the government, your SSI payment may be less.
What If You Don’t See Your Payment?
If you don’t get your payment on time, here’s what you should do:
- Check your bank account
- Look at your Direct Express card
- Log in to your “my Social Security” account
If nothing shows up, contact the SSA directly. They’ll help you figure out what’s going on.
May 14 Payments for Retirees: What’s That About?
On May 14, 2025, another group of people also received money—but this was for retirees, not SSI beneficiaries.
To get this payment, a person must:
- Have started receiving benefits after May 1997
- Have a birthday between the 1st and 10th of any month
These payments include the COLA increase and are part of the regular monthly retirement checks. People using direct deposit got their money on the same day. Others may have to wait a few business days.
The highest payment possible for retirees in 2025 is $5,108 if they retired at 70. However, most retirees get an average of around $1,976.