Many people in the United States rely on Social Security to manage their daily expenses. While most people receive one payment per month, some will notice something unusual this May 2025—they will get two payments in the same week. This isn’t an extra bonus or a mistake. It’s simply a result of how the payment calendar works.
In the first week of May, two separate payments will be sent out by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and they will both reach certain people within days of each other. These payments are for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security retirement benefits, but not everyone will get both. Only specific groups will receive two payments.
Why Are Two Payments Arriving in One Week?
The SSA follows a fixed schedule for sending payments. However, when the 1st of the month or the usual payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the date is adjusted. That’s exactly what’s happening in the first week of May 2025.
This week includes:
- May 1st – SSI payments are being made as usual (Wednesday)
- May 2nd – Retirement payments for Group 1 retirees, who started receiving benefits before May 1997
So, people who qualify for both SSI and retirement benefits before May 1997 will receive two payments within two days. This is not extra money—it’s just the usual monthly checks arriving close together due to how the calendar falls.
Who Will Receive Two Checks in the Same Week?
To receive both payments, a person must meet these two conditions:
1. They must get both SSI and retirement benefits. Receiving only one of them won’t qualify you for two payments.
2. They must belong to Group 1 retirees, meaning they started collecting retirement before May 1997. This group is always paid on the 3rd of the month. But since May 3rd falls on a Saturday in 2025, the payment is being sent early—on Friday, May 2nd.
Also, the payment method matters. People using Direct Deposit or Direct Express will get their money on the exact issue date. Those waiting for paper checks might see delays.
Extra SSI Payment in May: Advance for June
Surprisingly, some beneficiaries will receive a third payment in May, but again, it’s not a bonus. It’s just an advance SSI payment for June.
Here’s why: June 1st, 2025, is a Saturday. Since the SSA does not process payments on weekends, the June SSI check will be sent on Friday, May 30th. This means some people will receive two SSI checks in May—one on the 1st and one on the 30th.
Is This Extra Money?
It may feel like getting extra income, but it’s not. Each person is still receiving only one monthly payment per program. The early delivery is simply to avoid weekend issues. It’s all part of the SSA’s effort to ensure everyone gets their payments on time.