As May approaches, many Americans are looking ahead to their next IRS or Social Security direct deposit. Whether you’re expecting a tax refund, benefit payment, or other federal disbursement, here’s when money is likely to hit your account.

When will May 2025 direct deposits arrive?
IRS direct deposit dates vary depending on the type of payment:
- Tax refunds: Most are issued within 21 days of electronic filing. If your return is still being processed, check the Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov.
- Social Security payments: These follow a strict monthly schedule based on birth dates.
Social Security May 2025 schedule
Birthday Range | Deposit Date |
---|---|
1st–10th | May 8, 2025 |
11th–20th | May 15, 2025 |
21st–31st | May 22, 2025 |
Pre-May 1997 Retirees | May 3, 2025 |
SSI payments are scheduled for May 1, 2025. If that falls on a weekend or holiday, deposits may be issued early.
What about VA, SSI, or EBT payments?
Federal benefits such as Veterans Affairs (VA) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) typically follow a predictable schedule:
- VA benefits: Paid on the first business day of the month, which is May 1 in 2025.
- EBT reloads: Vary by state. Most states deposit SNAP benefits between the 1st and 10th of the month.
How to check your payment status
Use these tools to track your May payments:
- IRS refund tracker: Where’s My Refund?
- Social Security payments: Log into mySocialSecurity
- VA benefits: Check via eBenefits or VA.gov portal
What causes delays?
Common issues that may delay your May 2025 payment include:
- Outdated bank information
- Manual return processing or identity verification
- Federal holidays or system maintenance
If your payment is late, confirm your banking details and review any IRS or SSA notices in your online account.