If you’re on Social Security or SSI, you might notice something unusual happening with your bank account in May 2025: two payments instead of one. It might feel like a surprise windfall, but it’s actually the result of how the Social Security Administration handles its calendar—not a bonus or a stimulus.
Still, that extra payment in May can bring some short-term breathing room to millions of older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income recipients across the country.
Why Two Payments in May?
The reason is surprisingly simple: timing.
Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program always aims to send payments on the 1st of each month. But when the first day of the month lands on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment is issued earlier—on the last weekday of the previous month.
That’s what’s happening this spring. Since June 1 falls on a Sunday, the June SSI payment will be sent out early—on Friday, May 30. Combined with the regular May 1 payment, that means recipients will get two checks in the same month.
It might look like a bonus, but it’s just June’s money coming early.
Who Gets the Double Payment?
This applies specifically to SSI recipients—people who are 65 or older, blind, or have disabilities, and who also have very limited income and financial resources.
Roughly 7.4 million people rely on SSI every month. If you’re one of them, you’ll likely see your usual monthly benefit on May 1 and then another on May 30. That second one is for June.
Some people will actually get three separate payments in May—but only under specific circumstances. That would include those who receive both SSI and Social Security benefits (like retirement or disability) and were approved before May 1997. Their schedule would look like this:
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May 1: Regular SSI payment
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May 3: Social Security retirement or disability benefit
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May 30: Early June SSI payment
If that’s your situation, it’s especially important to plan your spending carefully, because June will come and go without a new check arriving.
What You’ll Actually Receive
The payment amounts depend on your situation. Thanks to the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the federal SSI maximum is now:
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$967 per month for individuals
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$1,450 per month for couples
But most people receive less than that due to income, housing support, or other factors. If you live in a state that adds a supplement to your federal SSI, your benefit may be slightly higher.
Keep in mind: Even though two checks are coming in May, there will be no SSI payment in June. The early deposit isn’t “extra” money—it’s simply rescheduled.
Be Careful Not to Overspend
It’s easy to feel like there’s extra room in your budget when two payments show up in one month, especially for those living on a fixed income. But financial planners caution against treating it like a bonus.
“This happens a few times a year,” one Social Security expert said. “But people often forget they won’t get another check the following month, and that can lead to real hardship.”
If you’re budgeting for rent, food, or bills, it’s a good idea to divide your May funds across both May and June.
When This Will Happen Again
This calendar quirk isn’t a one-time event. You can expect similar early payments later in 2025:
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August 2025: Two SSI payments (August 1 and August 29)
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October 2025: Two SSI payments (October 1 and October 31)
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December 2025: Two SSI payments (December 1 and December 31)
Each time, the following month won’t include an SSI deposit. Marking your calendar or setting a reminder can help avoid confusion—or panic—when your bank account looks emptier than expected.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re an SSI recipient and you see two payments hit your account in May, know that it’s completely normal—and part of the system. Just remember: that second deposit is your June check arriving early, not a new or additional benefit.
It’s a good moment to breathe a little easier—but also a reminder to stay smart about budgeting for the months ahead.
