During May, some Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients in the United States will get two payments instead of one. Although at first glance this may seem like great news, the truth is that this is not an additional bonus or extra help, but simply a change in the payment dates.
SSI is a monthly program that provides assistance to seniors, people with disabilities, or those with very limited resources. It works differently than Social Security retirement benefits, and payments are usually made on the first day of the month. However, when that date falls on a weekend or holiday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) chooses to move the deposit forward. That is exactly what is happening this month. The peculiarity of the calendar means that two payments will be recorded in May, although one of them actually corresponds to the following month.
Double SSI payment in May
SSI payments for May 2025 will arrive at two different times:
- The first was issued on May 1, as usual.
- The second will be sent on Friday, May 30, but corresponds to the June check.
This advance payment is due to the fact that June 1 falls on a Sunday, and the SSA does not process payments on weekends. To avoid delays, the deposit is moved up to the last business day of the previous month.
Although beneficiaries will see two deposits in May, they should keep in mind that no payment will be sent in June, as that money will have already been deposited in advance. This is not an incentive or additional help, but simply a logistical adjustment.
Who gets both SSI payments?
In order for the system to record both deposits, the beneficiary must be active in the program in both May and June. In addition, the basic requirements established by the SSA must be met:
- Have very little or no income
- Not exceed the resource limits: $2,000 for single people and $3,000 for couples
- Be a U.S. citizen or have immigration status that allows access to the benefit
It is also essential to have responded on time to periodic program reviews and not have had any payment suspensions. If everything is in order, deposits are made automatically, without the need to request anything additional.
As for the amounts, the maximum SSI in 2025 is $967 per month for single people and $1,450 for couples, although the final amount may vary depending on other income or support received by the household. These figures already include the cost-of-living adjustment that was applied in January.
If you were expecting one of these payments and have not seen it, the first thing to do is check your bank account or Direct Express card. If in doubt, you can log in to the my Social Security portal or contact the SSA to verify your status.