The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially confirmed that more than 70 million people in the United States will receive their Social Security payments starting this May 2025. For many seniors, this payment is a major part of their monthly income.
In fact, over 50% of people above 65 depend on Social Security for at least half of their total family income. Around 25% even rely on it to cover up to 90% of their living costs.
Many Retirees Combine Social Security with Other Retirement Plans
A large number of older Americans don’t depend only on Social Security. Around 40% of them also use other retirement sources. These include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or personal retirement plans such as a 401(k). Combining income sources helps them manage their expenses better during retirement.
Social Security May 2025 Payment Dates: Mark Your Calendar
Payments are being sent out based on the recipient’s birth date. The schedule for May 2025 is as follows:
- If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th, you’ll receive your payment on May 14.
- If your birthday is from the 11th to 20th, your deposit will arrive on May 21.
- If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st, expect your money on May 28.
For those who started receiving benefits before May 1997, your payment is fixed for the 3rd of every month. However, since May 3, 2025, is a Saturday, the deposit was made early on May 2, 2025.
Payments are made on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of each month, depending on the birthday range. If a payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the money is sent on the previous working day. These rules apply to both retirees and those getting Disability Insurance (SSDI).
How Much Can You Receive? Maximum and Average Social Security Payments
The amount you receive depends on several things—mainly your income history and the age at which you begin collecting benefits. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- If you start at age 62, the earliest possible, the maximum monthly payment in 2025 is $2,831.
- If you wait until your full retirement age (FRA), which is 66 or 67, you can get up to $4,018.
- If you wait until age 70, the monthly payment rises to a maximum of $5,108—this is the highest possible benefit amount for 2025.
However, these top payments are only given to a small group—less than 4% of beneficiaries—who earned the maximum taxable income ($176,100 in 2025) for 35 years.
What Most People Actually Receive
While it’s possible to get over $5,000 a month, most people receive much less. According to SSA:
- The average monthly payment for retirees is $1,976.
- For disabled workers receiving SSDI, the average is $1,580.
These payments are still very helpful in covering daily expenses and maintaining a basic standard of living.
Social Security continues to be a financial lifeline for millions of older Americans. In May 2025, the payment schedule is clearly set, and beneficiaries can plan their budgets accordingly.
While not everyone will receive the maximum amount, every payment helps support the needs of seniors, especially those who rely heavily on it. Whether combined with SSI or personal retirement funds, Social Security remains a key part of retirement planning.