The Social Security Administration (SSA) has published payment dates for May 2025, adjusted according to business days and birth ranges of beneficiary groups. Those claiming Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive their funds on May 1, while other payments will be distributed on May 2 (per weekend adjustment) and on Wednesdays, May 14, 21 and 28, depending on date of birth.
The amounts reflect the 2.5% Cost of Living adjustments (COLA 2025), with averages and maximums that vary depending on the type of benefit. In the case of retirement, the average payment is $1,976, and can reach up to $5,108 for those who delayed their application.
For the SSI program, the maximum amounts are $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, according to official SSA data.
The SSA calendar for May with minor changes
Those who receive payments on the 3rd of each month—including beneficiaries from before 1997—will get their funds on May 2, when the 3rd falls on a Saturday. The SSA moves payments scheduled for weekends to the previous business day, following its standard protocol. This applies only to federal benefits, without affecting state programs.
Payments based on date of birth are divided into three Wednesdays: May 14 (born 1-10), May 21 (11-20), and May 28 (21-31). These dates, confirmed in the official calendar, avoid overlaps and ensure timely processing.
For retirement, the maximum amounts depend on the age at which the claim is made: $2,831 if it is requested at age 62, $4,018 if it is made at full retirement age (67 years), and $5,108 if it is requested until age 70. These values are calculated based on maximum contributions over the entire working life.
The average of $1,976 includes all beneficiaries, regardless of the age at which they applied for the benefit.
In disability (SSDI), the monthly average is $1,580, with no official maximum defined. The SSA calculates this benefit based on previous earnings and years worked. For SSI, the caps are fixed, but subject to reductions if beneficiaries exceed income or resource limits, according to eligibility rules published on SSA.gov.
An advance payment corresponding to June, but in May
SSI recipients will receive an advance payment on May 30, which is June, because June 1 falls on a Sunday. This adjustment does not affect the May cigar. Those receiving both Social Security and SSI will get their federal deposits on May 2, under the weekend priority rule.