As May 2025 begins, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has started distributing its monthly payments to millions of beneficiaries across the United States. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients were the first to receive their funds, with payments issued on May 1. The following day, May 2, payments went out to those who have been receiving Social Security benefits since before May 1997, as well as to individuals who receive both Social Security and SSI.

For other Social Security beneficiaries, payment dates are organized by birth date. Those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month will see their payment deposited on May 14. This schedule applies to beneficiaries who began receiving payments after May 1997, following the SSA’s structured distribution calendar.

Who Receives Payments Later in May?

Two additional groups will receive their payments later in the month. Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 11th and 20th will get their payments on May 21, while those born between the 21st and 31st will receive theirs on May 28. These dates cover retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors, unless they fall under special exceptions.

Notably, May 2 was also the payment date for Social Security retirees living abroad and for individuals whose Medicare premiums are fully covered by the SSA, typically due to low income or disability.

Maximum Social Security Benefits in 2025

The maximum Social Security benefit a person can receive in 2025 depends on their age at retirement. The top benefit, $5,108 per month, is available to those who delay retirement until age 70. Beneficiaries who retire at full retirement age—66 years and 8 months for those born in 1958—can receive up to $4,018 monthly. Early retirees, starting at age 62, are eligible for a maximum of $2,831 per month. These amounts include the 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025.

To qualify for the highest payment, retirees need 35 years of high earnings and must have paid Social Security taxes in full throughout their careers.

SSI Recipients Get Double Payments in May

SSI beneficiaries follow a separate schedule, typically receiving payments on the first of each month. In May, payments were issued on May 1, and because June 1 falls on a Sunday, recipients will receive an advance payment on May 30. This extra payment does not affect the regular Social Security schedule based on birth dates.

The maximum SSI benefit for a single applicant is $967, while couples applying together can receive up to $1,450. The SSA notes that payment amounts may vary due to deductions for Medicare premiums or taxes, and COLA increases are reflected throughout the year.