Social Security payments in the United States follow a monthly schedule that many retirees know by heart. And no wonder: for millions of people, that check represents the foundation of their financial stability. In May 2025, a new round of payments has been confirmed by the Social Security Administration, and those in group 2 can already mark a specific date on their calendars: Wednesday, May 14.
This staggered payment system is not new. For years, the SSA has organized monthly deposits by dividing beneficiaries according to their date of birth and when they began receiving their benefits. This allows for an orderly flow and prevents bank crashes, while also providing more clarity to those who depend on the money each month to cover their needs. If you are unsure whether your check will arrive on that day, it is worth reviewing the requirements. Being informed can save you more than one scare.
Social Security: Who will receive the May 14 check?
The May 14 payment is reserved for those who are part of group 2, that is:
- People who began receiving benefits after May 1997, and
- Whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th of the month, regardless of the exact month.
If you meet both conditions, you are in this group and will receive your money on Wednesday. The deposit will be made automatically to your bank account or Direct Express card, depending on your preferred payment method.
As with every month, the amount you receive will depend on several factors: your contribution history to the system, the number of years you worked, the wages you reported throughout your working life, and the age at which you began receiving benefits. Those who delayed retirement until age 70, for example, tend to receive higher amounts.
What if the check does not appear in your account on that day?
In general, Social Security pays on time. However, there may be minor delays that are not always within the SSA’s control. Therefore, if the 14th arrives and the money does not appear in your account, it is best to wait a few days before becoming alarmed.
There is no need to take immediate action. Sometimes the delay is due to an internal bank process or a slight lag between the deposit being made and it appearing in your account. Instead of worrying, you can check that everything is correct with your usual payment method.
It is very useful to log in to your My Social Security account, where you can check whether the payment has already been sent or if there are any important notices. It is also a good idea to check that your bank details are up to date: a closed account or an incorrectly entered number can slow down the process.
If after three business days the deposit has not been made, then it is time to contact the SSA. You can do this by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office. Having the information ready, such as your Social Security number and account details, can speed up the solution.
What other payments are there in May 2025?
In addition to group 2, three other groups of retirees will receive their payment during the month of May, depending on their date of birth. The complete schedule is as follows:
- May 1: Those who began receiving payments before May 1997.
- May 14: Group 2 (birthdays from the 1st to the 10th).
- May 21: Group 3 (birthdays from the 11th to the 20th).
- May 28: group 4 (birthdays from the 21st to the 31st).
This system is repeated every month and offers a clear way to know in advance when you will receive your check. If you are in group 2, everything indicates that your money will be available on the 14th, without any complications.
Having this forecast in mind allows you to organize your monthly budget with greater peace of mind. Knowing that your income will arrive on a specific date helps you avoid imbalances, especially when it is the only fixed income in your household.
