Social Security is going through several updates, including increased payments for some Americans and the upcoming end of paper checks from the program.

President Donald Trump has expressed interest in eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits. While that hasn’t happened yet, he did sign an executive order to stop issuing most physical Social Security checks starting September 30, 2025. The Treasury Department will still allow paper checks for those without checking accounts.

Nearly 74 million people receive Social Security benefits, typically on Wednesdays throughout the month. For example:

• If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th of the month, your payment arrives on the second Wednesday—May 14.
• If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, you’re paid on the third Wednesday—May 21.
• Those born after the 20th will be paid on the fourth Wednesday—May 28, based on the SSA’s calendar.

Note: The Social Security Administration advises waiting three additional mailing days before contacting them if your payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date. Since 99% of recipients are paid electronically, delays are rare.

Two SSI Payments Coming in May

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive two payments in May.

• The first check, arriving May 1, covers May’s benefits.
• The second, arriving May 30, is for June’s benefits.

This happens because June 1 falls on a Sunday, and payments are issued early when the 1st of a month lands on a weekend or holiday.

Around 7.4 million Americans—mostly individuals with disabilities or limited income—receive monthly SSI payments. Roughly half of them also get Social Security benefits.

May 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule

The SSA has published the 2025 and 2026 benefit distribution calendars to help with budgeting.

Here’s the regular Social Security retirement payment schedule for May 2025:

• Wednesday, May 14 – For birthdates between the 1st and 10th
• Wednesday, May 21 – For birthdates between the 11th and 20th
• Wednesday, May 28 – For birthdates between the 21st and 31st

What Is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly benefits to people with limited income or resources who are:

• Age 65 or older
• Blind, or
• Living with a qualifying disability

Children with qualifying disabilities may also be eligible.

Generally, eligible adults have monthly wages below $2,019.

To apply, start the process online, in person at a local SSA office, or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.

2025 SSI Payment Schedule

Here are the official SSI payment dates for 2025:

• Thursday, May 1, 2025 (for May)
• Friday, May 30, 2025 (for June)
• Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (for July)
• Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 (for August)
• Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 (for September)
• Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 (for October)
• Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (for November)
• Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (for December)
• Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (for January 2026)

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