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The second wave of Social Security payments is scheduled to be disbursed in the coming days. If you’re uncertain about when to expect your disbursement, we’ve provided the comprehensive payment schedule for May so you know when to anticipate your Social Security check.
Social Security benefit disbursements are issued on a monthly basis to individuals who have applied for retirement, survivors, or disability benefits. These payments are distributed in tranches throughout the month. The date you receive your Social Security disbursement is influenced by the duration you’ve been receiving benefits, whether you’re also receiving other government assistance, or the day you were born. If you are unsure of when you should expect your disbursement, we outline the details below.
Continue reading to learn how your disbursement date is calculated, when you can expect your payment, and the complete payment timetable for May.
When Will You Receive Your Social Security Check?
Eager to determine your specific disbursement date? Here’s the Social Security and SSDI payment schedule for May:
Social Security Payment Schedule for May 2025
| If you have received Social Security since before May 1997 | May 2 |
|---|---|
| If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any given month | May 14 |
| If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of any given month | May 20 |
| If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of any given month | May 27 |
How to Determine Your Social Security Payment Date
Social Security disbursements are commonly initiated starting on the second Wednesday of each month. The subsequent two payments occur on the following two Wednesdays. The specific week you receive your Social Security check is based on your date of birth. However, there is one notable exception, which we will address below.
| Birthdate between | Social Security check date |
|---|---|
| 1st and 10th | 2nd Wednesday of the month |
| 11th and 20th | 3rd Wednesday of the month |
| 21st and 31st | 4th Wednesday of the month |
Other Federal Benefits May Not Arrive on the Same Day
If you’ve been receiving Social Security disability benefits since before May 1997 or are a recipient of both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your disbursement schedule isn’t influenced by your birthdate. Instead, payments are disbursed on the same date each month, with a few exceptions. Social Security benefits are typically disbursed on the 3rd of each month, while SSI benefits are disbursed on the 1st of each month.
These dates may fluctuate if the 1st or 3rd of the month falls on a weekend or a federal holiday. For instance, as March 3 fell on a weekend last year, Social Security recipients received their March disbursements two days earlier, on March 1. The only benefits adhering to the identical schedule are Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance.
The Transition Away from Paper Social Security Checks
A White House executive directive is set to discontinue the use of paper Social Security checks on Sept. 30. Following this date, all payments will be remitted digitally, including via direct deposits, debit cards, credit cards, digital wallets, and alternative real-time payment systems, to minimize the overall expense associated with dispatching physical checks to beneficiaries.
This decision is logical, considering only 485,766 Social Security checks are mailed monthly, a stark contrast to the 68,104,184 direct deposit transactions processed each month. While this transition may require an adjustment period for individuals accustomed to receiving physical checks, migrating benefits payments to digital formats enhances security. Notably, certain exclusions will be implemented for specific individuals.
What to Do if Your Social Security Check is Missing
If your disbursement doesn’t arrive as expected, the Social Security Administration suggests waiting three postal business days before making contact. Following this waiting period, you can contact the national toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. The SSA suggests that “wait periods to converse with a representative are generally briefer in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month.” Should you encounter difficulties connecting with the SSA via the national number, you can utilize their office locator to identify a local office.
For additional information, learn about applying for Social Security benefits for eligible children.