In a welcome but potentially confusing twist for some Social Security recipients, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue two payments in May 2025. However, this isn’t a bonus or increase in benefits it’s a scheduled adjustment that ensures recipients receive their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) on time.

Here’s who will see two deposits and why it’s happening.

Why the Double Payments Are Happening

The SSA typically distributes SSI payments on the first of each month. But when the first falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the agency moves the deposit date earlier to the closest preceding business day. In 2025, June 1 lands on a Sunday, prompting the SSA to send out June’s SSI payment on Friday, May 30 instead.

As a result, eligible individuals will receive two SSI payments in May:

• The regular May payment on Thursday, May 1
• The early June payment on Friday, May 30

This advance does not mean recipients are receiving extra money; it simply shifts the timing of the June benefit. There will be no SSI deposit in June as it’s effectively prepaid at the end of May.

Who Will Receive Two Payments?

This schedule shift primarily affects individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a federal program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people with little or no income. Some Social Security beneficiaries who also qualify for SSI—commonly known as “concurrent beneficiaries” will also see two payments.

You are likely to receive two SSI payments in May if:

• You are an SSI recipient, regardless of whether you also receive standard Social Security benefits.
• You receive both Social Security and SSI and began collecting before May 1997.

Those who only receive standard Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits will not receive two payments.

Regular Social Security Payment Dates

If you’re a Social Security beneficiary who does not receive SSI, your payment schedule remains unchanged. Social Security benefits are paid according to your birth date:

• Born 1st–10th: Paid on the second Wednesday of the month — May 14
• Born 11th–20th: Paid on the third Wednesday — May 21
• Born 21st–31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday — May 28

You can view the complete 2025 Social Security payment schedule on the official SSA calendar.

Other Double Payment Months in 2025

May is not the only month in 2025 when double payments will occur for SSI recipients. The SSA’s calendar reveals three other months with similar schedule adjustments:

• 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)

These early disbursements occur for the same reason—because the first day of the following month falls on a weekend or holiday.

How Much Will You Receive?

The 2025 maximum federal SSI payment amounts reflect a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA):

• Eligible individual: $967 per month
• Eligible couple: $1,450 per month
• Essential person: $484 per month

For full details on these amounts, visit the SSA’s official page on SSI benefit rates.

Plan Ahead: It’s Not a Bonus

Though receiving two deposits in one month may feel like an extra payday, it’s important for recipients to budget accordingly. The second May deposit is simply June’s SSI benefit paid early. That means there will be no payment made in June.

To avoid financial shortfalls, recipients are encouraged to track the SSA’s payment schedule and plan their monthly expenses around the adjusted dates. You can find updates and payment calendars on the SSA’s official website.

How to Check Your Payment Status

Recipients can check the status of their upcoming payments through the my Social Security online portal at ssa.gov/myaccount. The portal allows users to:

• View payment history
• Confirm upcoming payment dates
• Update direct deposit information

Alternatively, recipients can call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.

Final Thoughts

While two SSI payments in May may be a financial relief for some, it’s crucial to remember this is not a bonus or additional benefit. It’s a timing adjustment that reflects how the SSA handles payments around non-business days.

To avoid confusion and financial missteps, recipients should monitor their accounts, refer to the SSA’s resources, and reach out for support if needed.

For more information, visit the official SSA homepage at ssa.gov.