If you or someone you love relies on Social Security benefits, you may have noticed your check hasn’t arrived just yet. You’re not alone. Across the country, millions of retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors are closely watching their bank accounts this month, wondering, “When will the money show up?”
Whether it’s groceries, rent, or medical bills—you count on those benefits to be there. So let’s walk through exactly what’s going on with the May 2025 Social Security schedule, and why some recipients may see a slight delay.
The Social Security Check Schedule for May 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t send payments all at once. Instead, when you get your money depends on your birthday. Here’s how it breaks down this month:
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If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, your check is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14.
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Birthdays between the 11th and 20th? Expect your payment on Wednesday, May 21.
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And if you were born between the 21st and 31st, your check should come on Wednesday, May 28.
Now, if you started receiving Social Security before May 1997, your deposit usually comes earlier—on the 3rd of the month. If that’s you, your payment should have already arrived on Friday, May 2 (since the 3rd falls on a weekend this year).
What About Delays?
Let’s be honest—sometimes things don’t run smoothly. In recent months, the SSA has been dealing with staffing shortages, tech upgrades, and long wait times on their phone lines. While there haven’t been widespread delays reported this month yet, a few people have mentioned late deposits or inconsistent direct deposits through their banks.
Experts say these hiccups are usually tied to the bank’s processing times rather than the SSA itself. But if your check is more than a day or two late, it’s absolutely okay to reach out.
A quick tip: Make sure your direct deposit info is up to date. Many delays happen when people change bank accounts or move, and the SSA doesn’t have the new information.
A Slight Boost in Benefits This Year
You might’ve noticed your check is a little higher this year. That’s thanks to the 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that kicked in this January. It’s not huge, but for the average recipient, it means an extra $40 to $50 a month—money that can go a long way when prices at the grocery store or pharmacy just keep climbing.
The average monthly benefit in 2025 is now around $1,976. Of course, your exact amount depends on your earnings history and when you started collecting benefits.
What You Can Do If Your Payment Is Missing
If your deposit hasn’t shown up by the expected date, start with your bank. Most delays start or end there. If they don’t have any information, then contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213. But be warned—wait times can be long, especially early in the week or just after holidays.
Also, you can sign into your my Social Security account online to double-check payment dates and account information.
Looking Ahead
Social Security is a lifeline for more than 71 million Americans. For many, it’s the difference between living with dignity or facing uncertainty each month. And while the system isn’t perfect—especially when it comes to communication and service speed—it remains a vital part of the safety net for millions of families.
So if your payment is running late this May, take a breath. It’s frustrating, no doubt, but in most cases, the issue is temporary and fixable. And if you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to local advocates or senior support centers who can help you navigate the system.
At the end of the day, you earned this benefit—and you deserve to receive it on time.
Stay tuned for updates on Social Security, cost-of-living increases, and what’s ahead for 2026. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
