Millions of Americans will receive their May 2025 Social Security payments on a schedule based on their birthdate and benefit status. Here’s what you need to know.
Who gets paid first in May 2025?
Social Security payments for May begin on May 2, 2025, with checks issued to retirees who started receiving benefits before May 1997. This group, often called “Group 1,” receives payments on the third of each month unless it falls on a weekend or holiday.
May 2025 Social Security payment schedule
If you started receiving benefits after May 1997, your payment date depends on your birthday:
- May 8, 2025: Birthdays between the 1st and 10th
- May 15, 2025: Birthdays between the 11th and 20th
- May 22, 2025: Birthdays between the 21st and 31st
Direct deposit recipients typically see the money by noon on payday, while mailed checks can take several business days.
Will there be any delays?
At this time, no federal holidays are scheduled in May 2025 that would delay Social Security payments. Barring processing issues, beneficiaries should receive their funds on the standard timeline.
How much will you receive?
The average monthly Social Security retirement benefit in 2025 is around $1,720. Higher earners who delayed retirement may receive up to $5,180 per month. Payment amounts remain consistent month-to-month, as the latest Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) was already applied at the start of 2025.
Need to check your payment status?
Beneficiaries can verify payment dates, amounts, and account details by logging into their mySocialSecurity account or contacting the Social Security Administration directly.
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