If you’re a Social Security recipient, knowing exactly when your check arrives each month is crucial for managing your finances. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has followed a schedule since May 1997, sending retirement benefit payments on specific Wednesdays based on recipients’ birth dates.
For May 2025, the first round of payments will be deposited on Wednesday, May 14—the second Wednesday of the month. This date applies to beneficiaries who were born between the 1st and 10th of their birth month and who started receiving benefits after May 1997. This group includes roughly 23 million retirees, just a portion of the nearly 70 million Americans who receive Social Security payments each month.
If your birthday doesn’t fall within those dates, here’s what you need to know:
✅ Birthdays between the 11th and 20th: Your payment will arrive on Wednesday, May 21 (the third Wednesday of the month).
✅ Birthdays between the 21st and 31st: Your payment will be sent on Wednesday, May 28 (the fourth Wednesday of the month).
Meanwhile, a smaller group of long-time beneficiaries who started collecting benefits before May 1997 receive their payments on the 3rd of each month. But because May 3 fell on a Saturday this year, the SSA issued their payments a day early, on Friday, May 2, in line with the policy of not sending payments on weekends or holidays.
How Much Can You Expect?
The maximum Social Security benefit in 2025 is $5,108 per month, reserved for retirees who waited until age 70 to claim and earned the maximum taxable income for at least 35 years. The average monthly benefit in 2025 is approximately $1,976 for individuals and $3,089 for couples (combined).
What If My Payment Is Late?
If you don’t see your payment in your bank account on the expected date, first check with your financial institution to ensure there are no internal delays. Sometimes deposits are pending due to bank processing issues.
If the bank confirms no deposit is pending, contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (times may vary by location). For faster service, it’s recommended to call early in the morning or later in the week when phone lines are less busy.
For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, the SSA offers TTY services at 1-800-325-0778. You can also check your payment status through the SSA’s 24/7 automated services or visit your nearest Social Security office for in-person assistance.
Congratulations to New Retirees!
If you’re newly retired and awaiting your first payment—congratulations! Be sure to mark your calendar with your correct payment date each month and familiarize yourself with the SSA’s resources to ensure you receive everything you’re entitled to.
For more information or to access your account online, visit ssa.gov.