Social Security Checks in May: Why You Might Get Two Payments This Month

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If you’re one of the millions of Americans relying on Social Security benefits, don’t be surprised when two checks land in your account this May. No, it’s not a glitch or a bonus-it’s just a quirk in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) payment calendar. And for some, there could even be three deposits before the month is over.

Here’s what’s going on-and what you need to know.

Why Are Two Social Security Checks Going Out in May?

The key reason is simple timing. People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) get paid on the first of each month. But when the first of the next month falls on a weekend or holiday, the SSA sends out that payment early-before the month even starts.

In May 2025, SSI recipients will get two checks:

May 1 – for May’s benefits
May 30 – for June’s benefits (because June 1 is a weekend)

This means you won’t receive a check in June, but the money is arriving early.

Who Gets These Double Payments?

Roughly 7.4 million Americans receive SSI-benefits for individuals with limited income or resources, often due to age, blindness, or disability. A third of those recipients also get standard Social Security benefits. That means:

Some recipients will get three total checks in May: one SSI payment for May, one early SSI payment for June, and their standard Social Security benefit.

Now that’s a heavy deposit month.

When Exactly Will You Get Paid?

Here’s the full May 2025 Social Security and SSI payment schedule, depending on your birthdate or eligibility group:

SSI Payments

May 1 – May SSI payment
May 30 – June SSI payment (early)

Regular Social Security Payments (Retirement, SSDI, etc.)

May 14 – if your birthday is between the 1st and 10th
May 21 – if your birthday is between the 11th and 20th
May 28 – if your birthday is after the 20th

Combined SSI + Social Security (Pre-May 1997 recipients)

May 1 – SSI
May 3 – Social Security

This Will Happen Again – Here’s When

This calendar quirk isn’t just for May. SSI recipients will also receive two checks in the following months:

August 2025: Aug. 1 & Aug. 29 (no check in September)
October 2025: Oct. 1 & Oct. 31 (no check in November)
December 2025: Dec. 1 & Dec. 31 (early payment for Jan. 2026)

It’s all part of how the SSA keeps payments timely-even if the calendar shifts.

What Is SSI Exactly?

SSI is a federal assistance program for those who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and have limited income and resources. Children with qualifying disabilities may also be eligible.

To qualify in 2025, adults typically must earn less than $2,019 per month from work. It’s separate from Social Security retirement benefits, though some people receive both.

Receiving two or even three payments in May might feel like a bonus, but it’s not extra income-it’s just early money for June. Make sure to budget accordingly, especially since no SSI payments will hit your account in the following month.

So if you see multiple deposits in May, you’re not alone, and it’s completely expected. Just another twist in the federal benefits calendar.

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Leo Cruz

Politics Correspondent at T.H.E - Music Essentials

Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.

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