The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues payments based on a fixed schedule that depends on your date of birth and the type of benefits you receive. The first payment of May 2025 already went out on Friday, May 2, to those who started receiving Social Security before May 1997.
But what about everyone else? Well, SSA sends most retirement checks on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Since the second Wednesday in May doesn’t fall until May 14, there are no Social Security payments scheduled for the week of May 5–9.
This gap is part of SSA’s routine and happens during certain months when the calendar aligns this way. Still, many retirees are surprised when they don’t see a deposit hit their account and may fear something is wrong, but rest assured, this is normal.
These Are the Retirees Getting One of the Last Four Checks in May
Even though no Social Security checks will be issued next week, millions of retirees are still getting paid this month. Four more payments are scheduled before the end of May, and here’s who’s getting them:
- Wednesday, May 14 – Retirees with birthdays between the 1st and 10th
- Wednesday, May 21 – Retirees with birthdays between the 11th and 20th
- Wednesday, May 28 – Retirees with birthdays between the 21st and 31st
- Friday, May 30 – SSI recipients receiving June’s payment early
That last check is especially important. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will get two payments in May one on May 1 and another on May 30. Why two? Because June 1 falls on a Sunday, and the SSA doesn’t issue payments on weekends or federal holidays. To avoid delays, the June SSI check is sent early on the last business day of May.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your Payment
If you’re expecting one of the last four checks in May and your payment doesn’t arrive, the SSA advises waiting at least three mailing days before contacting them. Most people receive their checks by direct deposit, and 99% of those arrive on time. But delays can occasionally happen.
If you need help, contact the SSA at:
- Phone: 1-800-772-1213
- TTY: 1-800-325-0778
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday (local time)
You can also check your payment status using your “My Social Security” account at ssa.gov.
You’re Not Forgotten
Many beneficiaries worry when there are no payments in a given week, especially during times of inflation or rising costs. But the fact that there are no Social Security payments next week doesn’t mean you’ve been forgotten or skipped. It’s simply part of the SSA’s long-standing payment calendar.
Knowing when your payment is coming can help you plan ahead. So while there may be a brief wait, remember: millions of retirees are still getting one of the last four checks in May and yours could be one of them.
More Double SSI Payments Ahead
May isn’t the only month in 2025 where SSI recipients will get two checks. Other months where the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday will also result in early payments. Here’s a look at what’s ahead:
- August 2025 – Payments on August 1 and August 29 (for September)
- October 2025 – Payments on October 1 and October 31 (for November)
- December 2025 – Payments on December 1 and December 31 (for January 2026)
So if you’re on SSI, keep your eye on the calendar and remember that these early payments are not bonuses, but simply the next month’s check paid ahead of time.