Distribution dates for millions of Social Security recipients are shifting due to an unusual calendar quirk.
Social Security affiliates across the United States can expect their May payments to arrive later than in any other month in 2025. This unexpected delay affects approximately 7.4 million people and is tied to how the days fall on the calendar.
In typical months, Social Security benefits are distributed on the second, third, and fourth Wednesday, depending on when beneficiaries were born. However, May is playing out differently this year because the first of the month landed on a Thursday and the first Wednesday came on the 7th, pushing all subsequent payouts back by an extra week. Are you wondering whether your deposit will show up on time?
Why the calendar quirk is delaying Social Security payments in May 2025
This shift stems from the simple fact that the second Wednesday does not occur until the 14th of May. People born from the 1st to the 10th normally receive their checks on the second Wednesday, while those with birthdays from the 11th to the 20th see payments on the third Wednesday, and anyone born from the 21st to the 31st is paid on the fourth Wednesday. For May 2025, those official paydays fall on the 14th, 21st, and 28th, respectively.
Who will be impacted by the later distribution of monthly benefits in May
Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) should note a slight variation in schedule. SSI is typically sent on the first of each month, and for May 2025 it arrived right on May 1. But because June 1 is a Sunday, the next SSI payment will go out on May 30, creating a scenario where some people receive two deposits in May and none in June.
Meanwhile, retirees who started collecting Social Security before May 1997 or who collect both SSI and standard Social Security will keep a different distribution timetable, with SSI on the first and Social Security on the third Wednesday of the month. Below is a brief overview of the May payout dates:
| Recipient Birthdates | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st – 10th of the month | May 14 |
| 11th – 20th of the month | May 21 |
| 21st – 31st of the month | May 28 |
| SSI recipients | May 1 (also May 30 for June) |
Essential steps for recipients concerned about potential payment date changes
If you rely on Social Security checks to cover monthly expenses, staying informed about the shifted schedule is crucial. Consider signing up for direct deposit to ensure quicker access to your funds on the official paydays. You might also double-check your exact payment date on the Social Security Administration’s official website or by calling their helpline if something seems off.
Although these adjusted deadlines may temporarily disrupt your financial plans, it is important to note that no payments are being lost or skipped. Keep track of each deposit date, review your budget accordingly, and rest assured that all Social Security recipients will receive their funds.