Retirees receiving Social Security benefits in the United States rely on monthly payments that are scheduled according to their birthdates and the start date of their benefits. In May 2025, payments will follow the regular Social Security Administration (SSA) calendar, with special attention on the final round of deposits for those born late in the month.
This guide explains who receives Social Security in the final week of May 2025, how much beneficiaries can expect, and what to do if your payment is late. It also includes details on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) that may impact your monthly benefit.
Who Gets Social Security on May 28, 2025?
For retirees who began receiving Social Security after May 1997, payments are sent based on birthdays. The payment schedule splits the month into three parts, with each group receiving their deposit on a Wednesday.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Born between the 1st and 10th: Paid on the second Wednesday (May 14)
- Born between the 11th and 20th: Paid on the third Wednesday (May 21)
- Born between the 21st and 31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday (May 28)
If you were born between the 21st and 31st of any month, your May 2025 payment will be deposited on Wednesday, May 28.
Payment Schedule for Long-Term Beneficiaries
If you started receiving benefits before May 1997, the SSA sends your payment on the 3rd of every month. However, if the 3rd falls on a weekend, the payment is deposited on the preceding Friday. In May 2025, May 3 is a Saturday, so these beneficiaries received their payment on Friday, May 2.
For those who receive both Social Security and SSI, the same rule applies: your payment is sent on the 3rd (or the business day before, if needed).
How Much Will You Receive in May 2025?
The average Social Security retirement benefitin 2025 is $1,976 per month, following a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This increase amounts to roughly $50 more per month compared to 2024.
Actual payments vary based on:
- Lifetime earnings
- Age at retirement
- COLA updates
Who Qualifies for the Maximum Benefit?
To qualify for the maximum monthly benefit of $5,108, a retiree must meet two key requirements:
- Earn income at or above the Social Security taxable maximum ($176,100 in 2025) for 35 years.
- Delay retirement until the age of 70.
Less than 5% of retirees meet these conditions. Most people will receive lower amounts depending on their earnings history and the age at which they claim benefits.
How Retirement Age Affects Your Benefit
- Retiring at age 62 leads to a 30% permanent reduction in benefits.
- Retiring at age 67 gives you your full benefit amount.
- Delaying retirement until age 70 increases payments by 8% per year after full retirement age.
SSI Recipients Get a Second Payment in May
If you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), there’s a second deposit in May 2025. This is because June 1 falls on a Sunday, and SSI payments cannot be issued on weekends.
To avoid delays, the June SSI benefit will be sent early on Friday, May 30.
Note: This is not an extra payment. It is just an early deposit for the upcoming month. Your regular payment schedule resumes in July, with the next SSI deposit on July 1.
What If Your Payment Is Late?
If your Social Security payment hasn’t arrived on the expected date, the SSA advises waiting three business days before taking action. This allows time for standard bank processing delays.
What You Should Do:
- Check with your bank first: Sometimes, banks take 24 to 48 hours to credit deposits even after the SSA releases funds.
- If it’s still missing after three business days, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (your local time).
- Have these details ready:
- Your Social Security number
- Your bank account details
- A copy of your most recent benefit notice
- If more than five business days have passed, you can file a formal claim via the SSA website (www.ssa.gov) or by visiting a local SSA office.
May 28, 2025, marks the final Social Security retirement deposit of the month for those born between the 21st and 31st. Most retirees will receive an average monthly benefit of $1,976, thanks to a 2.5% COLA increase.
Those who began receiving benefits before May 1997 were already paid on May 2, and SSI recipients will receive a second payment on May 30—an early deposit for June.
Remember, if your payment is late, always contact your bank first, then follow up with the SSA if needed. Knowing your payment schedule helps you stay financially prepared.