Millions of Americans rely on Social Security payments as an important source of income and any changes to payment schedules can have a significant impact. However, in May 2025, some retirees can expect to receive an additional Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment as a result of a schedule change.
Why is there an extra payment in May?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) usually pays SSI on the first day of every month, but if the first day of the month falls on a weekend or a government holiday, payments are issued on the last business day of the previous month. This ensures that beneficiaries receive their payments without any delays.
With that being said, in June 2025, the first day of the month falls on a Sunday and as a result of this, the SSI payment for June will be issued on Friday, May 30. This technically means that recipients will receive two payments in May, which is one payment for May and one payment for June.
This specific scheduling adjustment is fairly common and occurs periodically throughout the year. It is structured to ensure that beneficiaries receive their payments on time when normal payment dates are disrupted by non-business days.
Who will receive the extra payment?
This extra payment in May applies specifically to SSI recipients. The SSI program provides assistance to those individuals who are elderly, blind or have any sort of disability and have limited financial resources. Citizens must note that this program is separate from Social Security retirement benefits, of which follows a different payment schedule.
It must also be noted that this is not an additional benefit or bonus payment. The additional payment in May is simply the June payment which is being issued early as a result of schedule adjustment. Recipients must understand that they need to plan effectively as there won’t be another payment in June.
Recipients of SSI include:
- Seniors who are 65 and above who meet the financial eligibility criteria
- Those individuals or children with disabilities that prevent them from performing daily activities
- Citizens who are legally blind and meet the programs requirements
How much will the payments be?
Citizens must note that the amount of SSI payments varies depending on the beneficiary’s financial situation or living arrangements. The maximum federal SSI payment for an individual in 2025 is $943 per month and for a couple, it’s $1,415 per month.
In states like California and New York, supplemental payments are offered to SSI recipients which can add several hundred dollars to the monthly payments. These supplemental payments are structured to assist individuals with the high cost of living in certain areas.
Recipients must always check their payment statement or contact the SSA to confirm the exact amount that they will receive.
Tips for managing the extra payment
Recipients may be confused about receiving two payments in one month, so here are few ways in which you can manage the extra payment:
- Make sure that you remember the extra payment in May is for June, so it is important to plan wisely for June to ensure that you have enough funds to cover your expenses until the July payment
- Perhaps put aside the June payment in separate account so that you are not tempted to use it
- Ensure that you keep track of all the changes to payment schedules
- Should you have any questions or queries, make sure that you seek assistance or contact a financial advisor to help you with budgeting
As a result of the SSA’s commitment to ensuring timely payments, SSI beneficiaries will receive the extra payment in May. It is important for beneficiaries to plan effectively so that they are able to manage their expenses. Should you have any questions about your benefits, make sure you seek assistance