In May 2025, many Americans who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will notice something unusual: two payments arriving in the same month. While this might sound like a bonus or a government handout, it’s actually a result of how the Social Security Administration (SSA) handles payment schedules when the first of the month falls on a weekend.

Understanding why you’re getting two checks in May—and what it means for your budget—is essential for anyone relying on SSI to cover basic needs.

Why Two Checks in May?

By law, the SSA distributes SSI payments on the first day of each month. However, when that date falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, payments are issued on the business day before. In 2025, June 1 lands on a Sunday. To ensure beneficiaries have their money by the start of the month, the SSA will send June’s SSI payment early—on Friday, May 30.

That means recipients will receive:

• Their regular May SSI payment on May 1
• Their June SSI payment early, on May 30

While this creates the appearance of two payments in one month, it’s not an additional benefit. It simply advances June’s payment by a couple of days.

Who Will See Two (or Three) Payments?

This scheduling adjustment applies specifically to SSI recipients. However, some people may receive three checks in May depending on their benefit status:

SSI-only recipients:

• Will get two payments: May 1 and May 30.

Those receiving both SSI and Social Security:

• May get three checks if they began receiving benefits before May 1997:
  • May 1: SSI payment
  • May 2: Social Security payment (rescheduled from May 3, which is a Saturday)
  • May 30: June’s SSI payment sent early

What Are the 2025 SSI Payment Amounts?

SSI payments vary based on living arrangements and other income, but the maximum federal benefit rates for 2025 are:

• $967 per month for individuals
• $1,450 per month for couples
• $484 per month for essential persons (people who provide necessary care)

Upcoming Months With Double SSI Payments

The May payment pattern is not unique. Several other months in 2025 will also feature two SSI payments due to weekend or holiday conflicts:

• August: Payments on August 1 and August 29 (for September)
• October: Payments on October 1 and October 31 (for November)
• December: Payments on December 1 and December 31 (for January 2026)

It’s important to note that these are not bonus payments, and recipients will not receive another check in the months following a double-payment month.

What You Should Do

If you receive two payments in May, here’s how to manage:

• Don’t overspend: The second check is for June, so budget accordingly.
• No need to contact SSA: The early payment is automatic.
• Stay updated: Use the SSA’s payment schedule or sign in to your my Social Security account to monitor your benefits.

If your payment doesn’t arrive within three business days of the expected date, you should contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

Key Takeaways

• You’re getting two SSI checks in May due to June 1 falling on a weekend.
• The second check is not a bonus—it’s an advance payment.
• Be sure to budget for June, since there will be no SSI payment on June 1.
• Check your eligibility and payment calendar on the official SSA website.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.