Millions of Americans depend on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to manage their monthly expenses like rent, food, and medical needs. As May 2025 begins, many SSDI recipients may be checking their accounts, expecting a deposit. But if you’re waiting for your payment on Wednesday, May 7, it may not arrive—and there’s a simple reason behind it.
SSDI Payments Follow a Fixed Schedule
The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a very specific payment calendar for SSDI benefits. This calendar is based mainly on the beneficiary’s birth date, not the day of application or any other factor.
Here’s how SSDI checks will be sent in May 2025:
- May 2: For people who started receiving benefits before May 1997
- May 14: For those born between the 1st and 10th of any month
- May 21: For birthdays falling between the 11th and 20th
- May 28: For those born between the 21st and 31st
As you can see, May 7 is not part of this schedule. If your birthday falls within the 1st–10th, your payment will arrive on May 14, not the 7th.
Why SSDI Checks Don’t Arrive on May 7
You might be wondering: why no payment on May 7, even though it’s a Wednesday?
That’s because the SSA never issues SSDI payments on the first Wednesday of the month for most recipients—except for those who began getting benefits before May 1997. This system is set up to make sure payments are evenly spaced out throughout the month.
By spreading the payments over three Wednesdays (second, third, and fourth), the SSA reduces pressure on banks, avoids system overloads, and ensures people get their money on time and without confusion.
So, if you were expecting money on May 7 but didn’t get it, don’t worry—it’s not a mistake. You just need to check which group you belong to based on your birth date.
SSI Beneficiaries Will Get Early Payment in May
While SSDI recipients won’t receive a deposit on May 7, there’s another update worth noting. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive their June payment early, on May 30. This is because June 1 falls on a weekend, and when that happens, the SSA sends the money a bit earlier.
This is a common adjustment the agency makes to ensure no delays in providing essential funds.
What SSDI Recipients Should Do
If you’re unsure when your SSDI payment is coming, check:
- Your birth date
- When you first started receiving SSDI benefits
Then compare it with the monthly schedule to find your correct payment date. Also, make sure your banking details are updated, and that your mailing address is correct, if you receive physical checks.