The Social Security Administration (SSA) has already published the retirement benefit payment schedule, so that recipients are informed and know when to expect their funds.
There are four groups of recipients who are grouped depending on whether they claimed their benefits before or after May 1997. Those who began collecting their benefits before May 1997 on the 2nd, ahead of their usual day, which is the 3rd of each month. It is early because it falls on a Saturday and the SSA does not pay benefits on weekends.
The other groups are: beneficiaries with birthdays between 1 and 10 receive payments on the second Wednesday; beneficiaries with birthdays between the 11th and 20th receive payments on the third Wednesday; and those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st receive payments on the fourth Wednesday.
All April payments ready: let’s look at the Social Security calendar for May
This April 23 was the last payment day for April benefits, which was for the last group (birthdays 21 to 31 of any month).
Now, let’s talk about May payments. If you were born between the 1st and 10th of any month, your payment will arrive on May 14, which corresponds to the second Wednesday of the month.
Those with birthdays from 11 to 20 will receive their funds on May 21, the third Wednesday. Those born between the 21st and 31st will see their deposit on May 28, the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Estimated Social Security payments to expect in May
As for the amounts, it is estimated that the average individual benefit will be approximately $1,976 per month in 2025. For their part, couples who receive both benefits could obtain around $3,089 per month.
These values reflect an inflation adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%, approved to maintain purchasing power against the increase in the cost of living. However, amounts may vary depending on factors such as years of contributions, income history, and retirement age.
For example, if you retire at age 67 (full retirement age), the maximum monthly amount could reach $4,018. But if you decide to postpone retirement until age 70, you could receive up to $5,108 a month, thanks to additional credits for delaying the start of benefits.
It should be noted that these figures are estimates and could be adjusted slightly according to the calculations of each of the beneficiaries, since each individual and their history is different and unique.
Individual situations, such as changes in income throughout your working life or variations in contribution years, may alter the final amounts.