As May approaches, millions of Americans are preparing to receive their Social Security payments. As is customary each month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will follow the staggered payment system implemented in 1997 to ease processing pressure across the month.

Social Security Payment Dates for May 2025

Beneficiaries are grouped based on their birthdates, except for those who have been receiving benefits since before May 1997. Here’s the full schedule for May:

• May 1: SSI recipients will receive their payment.
• May 2: Those who claimed Social Security before May 1997 will get paid. This group also includes individuals receiving both Social Security retirement and SSI. Since May 3 falls on a weekend, the payment is moved to Friday, May 2.
• May 14: Payment for beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
• May 21: Payment for those born between the 11th and 20th.
• May 28: Payment for those born after the 20th.
• May 30: An additional SSI payment for June will be issued.

How Much Will You Receive?

The average monthly Social Security retirement benefit in 2025 is $1,976—up $50 from 2024, thanks to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). However, the maximum possible benefit depends on when you retire and how much you earned during your working years.

Here’s a look at the maximum monthly benefit amounts based on retirement age:

• Age 62: $2,831
• Age 65: $3,374
• Age 66: $3,795
• Age 67: $4,043
• Age 70: $5,108 (maximum possible with delayed retirement credits)

For SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipients, the monthly maximum is:

• $967 for an individual
• $1,450 for a couple filing together

Bottom Line

May will bring multiple payment dates depending on your specific Social Security benefit type and birthdate. Be sure to mark your calendar and watch for any early deposits, especially if you’re in the pre-May 1997 group or receive SSI.