The Social Security Administration (SSA) has previously published the retirement benefit distribution schedule, ensuring that recipients are informed and know when to expect their payments.

There are four types of recipients, based on whether they claimed their benefits before or after May 1997. Those who began collecting benefits prior to May 1997 did so on the second, rather than the third, of each month. It is early because it falls on a Saturday, and the Social Security Administration does not disburse payments on weekends.

Beneficiaries with birthdays between 1 and 10 are paid on the second Wednesday; those with birthdays between 11 and 20 are paid on the third Wednesday; and those with birthdays between 21 and 31 are paid on the fourth Wednesday.

All April payments are ready; let’s look at the Social Security timetable for May

This April 23 was the last payment day for April benefits, which were for the final group (birthdays 21 to 31 of any month).

Now let’s talk about May payments. If you were born between the first and tenth of any month, your money will arrive on May 14, which is the second Wednesday of the month.

Those with birthdays between 11 and 20 will receive their payments on May 21, the third Wednesday. Those born between the 21st and the 31st will receive their deposit on May 28th, the fourth Wednesday of the month.

Estimated Social Security payments for May

In terms of dollars, the average monthly individual benefit is expected to be around $1,976 in 2025. Couples receiving both benefits may receive approximately $3,089 per month.

These figures reflect a 2.5% inflation adjustment (COLA) to retain buying power despite rising living costs. However, amounts may differ depending on years of contribution, income history, and retirement age.

For example, if you retire at age 67 (full retirement age), your maximum monthly payment might be $4,018. However, if you elect to postpone retirement until the age of 70, you could receive up to $5,108 per month in additional credits for delaying the start of benefits.

It should be emphasised that these statistics are estimations and may be altered somewhat based on the calculations of each beneficiary, as each individual and their history is distinct and unique.

Individual circumstances, such as changes in income over your working life or changes in contribution years, may affect the ultimate amounts.