In the United States, Social Security payments are made according to a schedule that rarely changes. However, in certain months, such as May, retirees may notice slight changes in the dates they usually get their money. This variation particularly affects those who are 70 or older, a group that typically receives the highest checks because they have delayed retirement.
In May 2025, many of these beneficiaries will see their automatic deposit arrive later than usual. This is not an error or a system failure, but a planned adjustment to the monthly schedule, based on factors such as date of birth or type of benefit.
Retirees who have planned their payments carefully may be surprised if they are not aware of these details. That’s why it’s crucial to know the exact dates when Social Security checks will be sent out this month.
When will Social Security payments be sent out in May?
The next major Social Security payment will be made on Wednesday, May 14, but not all beneficiaries are included on this date. Only those who meet the following criteria will receive their payment:
- Have a benefit approved after May 1997.
- Were born between the 1st and 10th of the month.
This group is the first of three that receive Social Security based on their birthday. In May, the week on which this day falls causes some beneficiaries to believe that there is a delay, when in fact it is the normal schedule.
Those who are not included in this first group should pay attention to the following dates:
- May 21: for retirees born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- May 28: for those who turn 21 to 31.
- May 30: special date for early payment of June SSI, applicable only to beneficiaries of that program.
This schedule not only allows for better organization of the monthly budget, but also helps identify whether you are in the correct group or if you need to review your information with the Social Security Administration.
Why some retirees get Social Security later this month
Retirees aged 70 and older tend to receive the highest Social Security checks, as for each year that retirement is delayed after age 66 or 67, the monthly payment increases significantly. In 2025, the maximum amount can reach up to $5,180 per month if all requirements are met.
To reach that figure, three key conditions must be met:
- Delay retirement until age 70.
- Have a work history of at least 35 years of work.
- Have earned high and consistent income during that period.
However, being entitled to the highest check does not mean you will get it sooner. The payment date is tied to your date of birth and the date you began receiving benefits, not the amount of the check.
Therefore, although many 70-year-old retirees were expecting their payment in the first week of May, they will have to wait until the 14th or even the 21st, depending on their birthday. This wait, although short, can cause concern if it is not clear how the system works.