As April draws to a close, retirees across the U.S. are preparing for their next round of Social Security payments, a critical source of income for millions of Americans. With the economy still facing uncertainties, these monthly checks remain essential for many older adults to cover daily expenses.

The next scheduled payment date is Wednesday, May 7, 2025. However, not all recipients will see their funds on that day due to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) staggered payment system, which organizes beneficiaries into groups based on their retirement date and birth date.

Who Will Receive Payments on May 7?

Only retirees classified under Group 2 are set to receive their Social Security deposits on May 7. To qualify for this group, two conditions must be met:

• Retirement benefits must have started after May 1997.
• The retiree’s birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month.

Those who don’t meet both criteria will have to wait until May 14, 2025, when payments for Group 3 are processed.

It’s important to note that once retirees are assigned to a group, their payment schedule remains consistent over time, ensuring predictable monthly deposits.

Understanding Social Security Benefit Amounts

Benefit amounts vary widely depending on each person’s work history and the age at which they began collecting benefits. While the maximum possible Social Security benefit in 2025 is $5,108 per month, this is typically reserved for high earners who delayed retirement until age 70. Most retirees receive between $1,500 and $3,500 per month.

As May approaches, retirees are reminded to check their payment group and schedule to ensure they know when to expect their deposits. For many in Group 2, May 7 will be a key date for their financial planning.