Social Security payments for May are fast approaching, and if you’re waiting for your monthly benefit, you may be wondering when it will arrive.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know about your upcoming payments, including when you’ll receive your check and how your payment date is determined.

If you’re already receiving Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits, your payment date is influenced by a few important factors, like when you first started receiving benefits, whether you receive other government benefits, and your birthdate.

Here’s a quick guide to understanding your Social Security payment schedule for May 2025.

When Will You Receive Your Social Security Payment?

The date you’ll receive your Social Security payment is determined by when you were born. The payments are sent out on specific dates each month, and those dates vary depending on your birthdate.

For May 2025, here is the payment schedule for Social Security and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits:

• May 13th: If you were born on the 1st through 10th of the month
• May 20th: If you were born on the 11th through the 20th of the month
• May 27th: If you were born on the 21st through the 31st of the month

Social Security payments are usually paid out starting on the second Wednesday of the month, with two additional payments scheduled in the following weeks.

For example, if your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, you’ll receive your Social Security payment on the second Wednesday, which is May 13th in this case. If your birthday falls later in the month, your payment will be sent out on the subsequent Wednesdays.

It’s important to remember that these dates are set and do not change month to month, but they are dependent on the date of your birth. If your birthday falls on the 11th or after, you’ll get your payment on the third Wednesday of the month.

What If You Receive Other Government Benefits?

If you are someone who receives both Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may notice that your payment schedule differs from that of others.

For recipients who have been receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and SSI, your payment schedule is determined differently. These payments are sent out every month on a fixed date.

• Social Security Payments: These are typically sent out on the 3rd of each month.
• SSI Payments: These are sent on the 1st of each month.

If either of these dates falls on a weekend or holiday, payments may be adjusted to ensure they are delivered in time. For example, if the 1st or the 3rd of a month falls on a weekend, your payment may be sent out on the nearest business day.

This change was recently seen when Social Security payments for March 2024 were issued on March 1st, two days earlier than expected, as the 3rd of the month fell on a weekend.

It’s also important to note that if you receive other government assistance, such as SSI, your payment will likely not arrive on the same day as Social Security payments, even though both are linked to your financial assistance needs.

Big Change Coming: Paper Social Security Checks Are Going Away

Starting in 2025, there will be a significant change to how Social Security payments are delivered. A new executive order issued by the White House will phase out the use of paper checks, and after September 30, 2025, all Social Security payments will be made through digital channels.

This includes payment methods such as direct deposits, debit and credit cards, digital wallets, and real-time payment systems. This transition is aimed at reducing the overall cost of mailing physical checks to beneficiaries and improving security, as digital transactions are more secure than paper checks.

Although this change may be an adjustment for people who have been receiving their payments through paper checks, it’s important to understand that this move toward digital payments will benefit both recipients and the government.

Social Security sends out around 68 million payments every month, with only a small percentage (around 485,766) being mailed as physical checks. The rest of the payments are delivered electronically, which makes it easier to track and prevents delays caused by lost mail.

The shift to digital payments is also expected to increase security by reducing the possibility of fraud. However, some individuals who are unable to access digital payment methods may be granted exemptions.

What to Do If Your Payment Is Missing?

If you notice that your Social Security check has not arrived when expected, don’t panic. The first thing to do is wait a few days—three additional mailing days, to be exact.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) advises you to allow for this extra time before contacting them.

After the waiting period, if your payment still hasn’t shown up, you can call the SSA’s national toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. It’s important to keep in mind that the wait times to speak with a representative are typically shorter earlier in the day, later in the week, or later in the month.

If you can’t reach someone through the national number, you can use the SSA’s office locator tool to find a local office and inquire in person.

The SSA recommends that you try to avoid calling on the first of the month or during peak times when many others are calling about their missing payments.

How to Set Up Digital Payments?

If you’re not already set up for digital payments, it’s a good time to make the switch. Direct deposits are the fastest and safest way to receive your benefits, and most people already have a bank account linked to their Social Security payments.

If you’re not yet enrolled in direct deposit, visit the SSA website to create an account and set up your payments. This will help you avoid delays in receiving your funds, especially after the transition to digital payments in 2025.

Conclusion

May 2025’s Social Security payments are coming up soon, and understanding when you’ll receive your check can help you plan your finances for the month. With the transition to digital payments coming in 2025, it’s a great time to ensure you are signed up for direct deposit to avoid any disruptions in your payments.

Remember, your Social Security payment date is determined by your birthdate, and if you have any issues with missing payments, the SSA is there to help you get things sorted.