As May 2025 winds down, the last batch of Social Security payments are going out this week — and millions of Americans are watching their bank accounts closely.
For beneficiaries in the third payment group, Wednesday, May 28 marks their final scheduled payment of the month, bringing an end to May’s staggered distribution cycle from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Here’s everything you need to know about who’s getting paid, how much to expect, and what’s coming in June — including important reminders for SSDI recipients and retirees alike.
Who Gets Paid on May 28?
According to the SSA’s payment calendar, beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of any given month are scheduled to receive their Social Security retirement or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits on the fourth Wednesday of the month. In May 2025, that date falls on Wednesday, May 28.
This is the final round of payments for May and specifically targets:
- Retired workers born between the 21st–31st
- SSDI beneficiaries with birthdays in the same date range
- Individuals receiving benefits who meet the criteria but were not part of earlier May distributions
These payments are part of the SSA’s staggered monthly schedule, which divides beneficiaries into three primary groups based on birth date ranges:
- Group 1: Born 1st–10th → paid on the second Wednesday
- Group 2: Born 11th–20th → paid on the third Wednesday
- Group 3: Born 21st–31st → paid on the fourth Wednesday
How Much Will Beneficiaries Receive?
The amount each person receives varies depending on factors like work history, earnings, and disability status. However, the SSA has released average payment benchmarks for 2025 following the 3.2% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase that took effect in January.
Here’s what recipients in the final May payment group can expect:
- Average retirement benefit: $1,915/month
- Average SSDI benefit: $1,581/month
- Maximum possible benefit (retirement at full retirement age): $3,822/month
- SSI recipients (if eligible for dual benefits): May have already received payments on May 1
Those who qualify for both SSDI and SSI may receive separate payments, often with the SSI check arriving on the first of the month and the SSDI payment following the standard schedule.
What If You Haven’t Received Your Payment?
If you’re expecting a Social Security check on May 28 but haven’t received it by the end of the day, don’t panic just yet. Here are a few steps to take:
- Wait 3 business days before reporting the delay. The SSA advises patience in the event of processing lags or bank holidays.
- Check your My Social Security account to confirm your payment date and amount.
- Contact your bank or financial institution to verify there are no holds or issues with the deposit.
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if your payment still hasn’t arrived after the waiting period.
Remember, payments are typically made via direct deposit. Paper checks may take longer and are more prone to mail delays.
Looking Ahead to June 2025: Key Payment Dates
With May nearly complete, June’s payment schedule will closely mirror this month’s pattern. Here’s a look at what’s coming up next month:
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monday, June 3 (delayed from June 1 due to the weekend)
- Group 1 (Born 1st–10th): Wednesday, June 12
- Group 2 (Born 11th–20th): Wednesday, June 19
- Group 3 (Born 21st–31st): Wednesday, June 26
Beneficiaries should mark these dates and plan their budgets accordingly. June payments may also reflect any deductions for debts such as student loans or Medicare premiums. As of 2025, federal law allows garnishment of up to 15% of Social Security payments for certain federal debts.
Tips to Ensure You Receive Payments Without Delay
To avoid complications with your monthly deposits, Social Security recipients should follow a few best practices:
- Keep your mailing and banking info up to date.
- Monitor your SSA account for updates or alerts.
- Switch to direct deposit if you’re still receiving paper checks.
- Sign up for alerts through your My Social Security account to receive real-time notifications about payment status.
Will There Be Any Social Security Changes in June?
Although May ends without major disruptions, several key developments are looming for June 2025:
- COLA Watch: Economic indicators are showing moderate inflation, prompting speculation that the 2026 COLA may come in lower than expected.
- Student Loan Garnishments: Some beneficiaries may see reduced checks due to resumed federal student loan collections.
- Immigration-Related Delays: New ID verification rules for non-citizen beneficiaries could delay new applications or adjustments to benefit status.
- Ongoing Budget Debates: The Trump administration’s proposed Social Security reforms continue to spark concern among advocacy groups. No changes have been enacted yet, but June budget hearings could signal what’s coming.
Bottom Line
The final Social Security and SSDI payments for May 2025 will hit accounts on Wednesday, May 28, wrapping up the month’s benefit cycle for retirees and disabled individuals born between the 21st and 31st.
As June approaches, recipients should review their upcoming payment dates, monitor their MySSA accounts, and stay alert for policy changes or adjustments to their benefits.
For millions of Americans relying on these funds, Social Security remains a critical monthly lifeline — one that demands planning, vigilance, and awareness of the federal calendar.
Stay tuned for more updates as we move into June, when the first SSI checks are set to arrive and questions about the future of the program loom large in Washington.
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