Some Social Security beneficiaries are noticing something unusual next week: There will be a third payment instead of the usual two. This isn’t a mistake or a bonus. It’s the result of how the payment calendar aligns with the month’s Wednesdays—when most benefits are issued.
How Social Security payment groups work
The Social Security Administration sends payments based on the recipient’s birth date and benefit type. Most retirees and disability beneficiaries fall into one of three groups:
- Group 1: Birth date between the 1st and 10th — paid on the second Wednesday
- Group 2: Birth date between the 11th and 20th — paid on the third Wednesday
- Group 3: Birth date between the 21st and 31st — paid on the fourth Wednesday
This month, May started on a Thursday and ends on a Saturday. Because of this structure, Group 1 beneficiaries were paid on May 14, Group 2 will be paid on May 21, and Group 3 will be paid on May 28. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients also received a payment on May 1. Some dual beneficiaries—those receiving both SSI and Social Security—are seeing three separate deposits.
It’s not a bonus—but it does help with budgeting
The extra check may seem like a windfall, but it’s really just an early payment due to the monthly cycle. For those receiving three payments, it’s wise to set aside one to help cover expenses in June. The SSA issues SSI payments on the first of the month—unless that date falls on a weekend or holiday—so a gap between checks can occur if beneficiaries don’t budget carefully.
What to do if you didn’t get all your payments
If you expected three checks but only received two, check your benefit type and bank deposit history. The My Social Security portal (ssa.gov) allows you to view upcoming payments and verify your schedule. If something looks off, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local field office for assistance.
How COLA plays into this month’s payments
All May 2025 payments include the most recent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which raised benefits by 2.6% this year. That bump has helped offset higher grocery, utility, and housing costs, especially for retirees on fixed incomes. The SSA will begin calculating the 2026 COLA this summer, based on inflation trends.
Bottom line: check your schedule and plan ahead
If you received three checks this month, you’re not alone—and it’s not a glitch. Just be sure to stretch those funds across both May and June. Understanding the SSA payment calendar can help prevent confusion and give you more control over your monthly budget.
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