You might’ve seen the headlines saying people are getting a $967 Social Security check on May 2, 2025 — and naturally, you’re wondering, “Am I getting one of those?”
The short answer? Yes, if you meet certain conditions.
The long answer? Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense, no jargon.
Why May 2, and Not the 3rd Like Usual?
Here’s the deal: Normally, if you started getting Social Security before May 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and SSI, your payment comes on the 3rd of the month.
But in May 2025, May 3 falls on a Saturday — and the government doesn’t send payments on weekends. So what do they do?
They send it a day early — meaning your money shows up Friday, May 2 instead.
So nope, it’s not a bonus or anything sneaky. It’s just your usual check, showing up a little ahead of schedule.
So… What’s This $967 Amount Everyone’s Talking About?
That number — $967 — is the maximum monthly federal SSI payment for a single person in 2025.
It went up slightly this year thanks to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to help people keep up with inflation. But here’s the catch: not everyone gets the full $967.
Your amount depends on a few things, like:
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Do you get other income (like Social Security or a pension)?
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Do you live with someone who helps pay your bills?
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Does your state add on a little extra to your check?
If the answer to any of those is “yes,” your monthly amount might be a bit lower.
Why You Might See Two SSI Payments in May
Now here’s where it gets confusing.
Some people — especially if you get SSI only or SSI and Social Security — might get two SSI checks in May:
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One on May 1 (your regular payment for May)
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Another on May 30 — but wait! This isn’t a bonus.
That May 30 payment is actually your June check, arriving early because June 1 falls on a Sunday.
So don’t get too excited thinking the government gave you a little extra — they’re just shifting the timing. That also means you won’t get a payment in June, since you already got it early.
So, Who’s Actually Getting the May 2 Payment?
Here’s the checklist. If any of these sound like you, then yes — that May 2 payment is yours:
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You’ve been getting Social Security since before May 1997
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You receive both SSI and Social Security
And if your check is for $967? That means:
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You qualify for the maximum SSI benefit,
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You don’t have other income reducing your payment,
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And your living situation doesn’t change that number.
What Should You Do?
If you’re not totally sure what you’re getting or when it’s coming, here’s what you can do:
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Log into your My Social Security account — it tells you exactly when to expect your money
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Wait at least 3 days if your check is late before calling SSA
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Budget wisely — especially with that early May 30 payment, since there won’t be another one in June
It’s easy to get thrown off when checks arrive on different dates or headlines start floating around with dollar amounts. But at the end of the day, the government’s just adjusting the timing — not giving out surprise money.
So yep, that $967 payment on May 2 is real — if you qualify.
And if you’re not sure? It never hurts to double-check your SSA account or call for help.
