May is shaping up to be a busy month for some Social Security recipients — especially those who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If that’s you, there’s good news: you might see three checks coming your way this month!
What’s Going On?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles two different types of payments:
- Social Security benefits: These go to retirees and certain other qualifying individuals.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This is need-based and meant for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled with very limited income and resources.
As of March 2025, more than 7.4 million people across the U.S. were receiving SSI — including seniors, adults, and even some children.
Why Are There Two SSI Payments in May?
If you get SSI, you’ll notice something special this month:
You’ll get your usual May payment on Thursday, May 1, plus another payment on Friday, May 30.
But why two?
That May 30 payment is actually your June payment, sent early because June 1 falls on a weekend. So, no SSI check will come in June — your next one will be on July 1.
Here’s a quick look at the 2025 SSI Payment Dates:
| Month | SSI Payment Date |
| May | Thursday, May 1 |
| May (June Check) | Friday, May 30 |
| July | Tuesday, July 1 |
| August | Friday, August 1 |
| August (Sept Check) | Friday, August 29 |
| October | Wednesday, October 1 |
| October (Nov Check) | Friday, October 31 |
| December | Monday, December 1 |
| December (Jan 2026 Check) | Wednesday, December 31 |
When Will You Get Your Regular Social Security Check?
If you’re receiving Social Security retirement benefits, your May check date depends on your birth date:
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date (May) |
| 1st – 10th | Wednesday, May 14 |
| 11th – 20th | Wednesday, May 21 |
| 21st – 31st | Wednesday, May 28 |
If you get both Social Security and SSI, you might receive three payments in May — two SSI checks and one retirement check.
What If You Miss a Payment?
Don’t panic right away. First, check with your bank or credit union to see if it’s just delayed. If it’s still missing, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or reach out to your local Social Security office.
Some May Also See Bigger Checks
Thanks to the Social Security Fairness Act, about 3.2 million retirees — including many former police officers, firefighters, teachers, and public service workers — are now getting larger payments.
These updates were made in April due to the removal of limits caused by the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset rules. So if you’re one of those affected, your May check should reflect the increase, and future payments will too.
