The Social Security Administration (SSA) will release its final May payment on Wednesday, May 28, offering critical support for retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors. Many beneficiaries are eager to see this deposit, especially since it includes a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) intended to help with rising expenses.
This round primarily goes to individuals born between the 21st and 31st of any month. If you fall into that group, keep an eye on your bank account. The SSA staggers payments based on birth dates to streamline processing, so those in earlier date ranges generally receive their checks in the first and second weeks of the month. With inflation still making headlines, the COLA increase can be a welcome boost.
Discover the crucial details for beneficiaries of Social Security payments in late May 2025
SSA rules specify different payment schedules depending on birth date and the year individuals started receiving benefits. In May, the first two deposits were for those born before 1997 (paid at the start of the month) and those born between the 1st and 20th (paid in mid-May). Now, the final deposit heads out May 28. Here’s a quick breakdown of May’s deposit schedule to help you stay organized:
- May 14: Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th.
- May 21: Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th.
- May 28: Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st.
Still waiting on your deposit? The SSA advises allowing three business days before contacting them about a missing payment. Most checks are sent electronically, so delays rarely occur.
Understanding the special rule for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients this May
Alongside traditional Social Security, the agency oversees SSI benefits for seniors, blind individuals, or those with severe disabilities and minimal income. Normally, SSI payments come on the first of each month. However, a quirk in the calendar pushes June’s payment to May 30. That means recipients received an early check on May 1, and they will get a second payment at the end of the month. Below is a table summarizing this May’s payment situation:
| Program | Payment Date | Reason for Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security (final) | May 28 | Scheduled for beneficiaries born 21st-31st |
| SSI (additional check) | May 30 | June 1 falls on a Sunday |
If you rely on Social Security or SSI, verify your exact payment date and stay alert for possible earlier deposits. Still unsure if you’re on the list? Contact the SSA for personal guidance. With these dates in mind, it’s much easier to budget your household expenses and plan ahead.