If you are someone who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you might notice something a bit different in May. Instead of the usual one payment, two checks may land in your account. Don’t worry, this isn’t a mistake, but it’s also not an unexpected bonus.

This occurrence is simply due to how the Social Security Administration (SSA) schedules its monthly SSI payments. Here’s everything you need to know about why this is happening, how it will affect you, and when the payments will come.

What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Before diving into the specifics of the May payments, it’s important to understand what SSI is. SSI is a federal assistance program designed to help individuals who are blind, disabled, or aged 65 and older.

This program provides financial help to low-income individuals to cover basic living expenses such as food, housing, and medical care.

In total, approximately 7.4 million Americans rely on SSI each month. For many, these monthly payments are crucial in meeting their daily needs.

Why Will There Be Two SSI Checks in May 2025?

Typically, SSI payments are sent on the first day of every month. However, there is one situation that can alter this regular schedule — when the first of the month falls on a weekend or a federal holiday. In such cases, the SSA will push the payment forward to the last business day of the previous month.

For May 2025, the schedule shift is due to June 1 falling on a Sunday. This means that the SSA will release the June payment early, on Friday, May 30, instead of waiting until the first of June.

Since the May SSI payment is still being processed as usual, this results in two payments coming through in May: one at the start of the month and one at the end.

While it may appear like you are receiving extra money, this is not a bonus or a double payment. The June payment is just arriving a little early, and no payment will be issued in June as a result. So, you can expect the next payment to be sent on July 1.

Similar Payment Schedule Shifts Throughout the Year

This situation is not unique to May. SSI recipients often see similar schedule changes a few times a year. These shifts happen whenever the first of the month falls on a weekend or a holiday, as the SSA will issue the payment ahead of time.

Later in 2025, you can expect to receive two payments in August, October, and December. So if you receive SSI, be sure to keep an eye on the dates throughout the year to stay on top of any early payments. The SSA will always notify recipients of any adjustments to the schedule.

The Social Security Payment Schedule for May

The Social Security Administration follows a slightly different schedule for those who receive both SSI and Social Security benefits or who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997. This group typically gets their SSI payment on the first of the month and their Social Security benefit on the third.

In May, however, the third falls on a Sunday, which means there’s a small adjustment to the usual pattern. The SSA will distribute SSI payments on Thursday, May 1, and Social Security benefits will be sent on Friday, May 2.

For everyone else who only receives Social Security benefits, payments will follow the regular monthly schedule. If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, your payment will arrive on May 14.

If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, your payment will come on May 21. Finally, those whose birthdays are between the 21st and 31st can expect their checks to be sent on May 28.

Why Payment Schedule Shifts Happen?

It’s common for many federal benefits, including SSI and Social Security, to have their schedules adjusted around holidays. The reason for these shifts is simple: if the first of the month lands on a weekend or a public holiday, it’s difficult to issue payments on time. As a result, these payments are issued a bit earlier than usual.

While the occasional extra payment might sound like a surprise bonus, it’s just an adjustment to make sure people get their money on time, especially when the traditional first-of-the-month dates aren’t possible.

If you’re receiving payments under these programs, it’s important to know when these shifts are happening so that you’re prepared for any early payments.

How Do These Changes Affect You?

For most SSI recipients, the changes in May are minor, but it’s still important to keep track of the dates and any extra payments. By understanding how the SSA schedules payments, you can ensure that you’re managing your finances properly.

One important thing to note is that these schedule shifts may not affect the amount you receive — just the timing. The total payment you’re entitled to will remain the same, but the payment will arrive a bit earlier in the months when the schedule changes.

Planning for Early Payments

If you’re someone who typically relies on your SSI payments to cover your monthly expenses, it’s important to plan accordingly when the payment schedule shifts.

Receiving two payments in a single month can be helpful if you need to cover unexpected costs, but it can also lead to some confusion if you’re not aware of when the payments are coming.

To make the most of the early payments, it’s a good idea to budget and manage your spending in a way that ensures you have enough funds throughout the following month. Keep track of when you receive each payment, and try to avoid spending the extra check too quickly so that you’re still covered during the month when you don’t receive a payment.

Stay Informed About Your Benefits

The Social Security Administration strives to keep all recipients informed about changes to payment schedules. It’s a good idea to regularly check your online account with the SSA or keep an eye out for official notifications regarding your payments.

Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns about your payment schedule, don’t hesitate to reach out to the SSA for clarification.

By staying informed, you can avoid surprises and better manage your monthly budget to ensure that your bills and expenses are always covered.

Conclusion

While receiving two payments in May may seem like a mistake or a pleasant surprise, it’s simply the result of how the SSA handles its payment scheduling.

With the June payment arriving early, you’ll see two payments in May — but there won’t be an additional payment in June.

These schedule shifts are common and will happen a few more times this year. By understanding these changes and preparing for them, you can continue to manage your finances smoothly throughout 2025.