Social Security Payments Hit on May 14—Here’s How Much You’re Really Getting in 2025

If you’re on Social Security and your birthday falls between the 11th and the 20th of the month, your next payment is scheduled for May 14. And yep—you’ll notice it’s a little higher than last year. That’s thanks to this year’s COLA increase, which is basically a yearly adjustment meant to keep up with inflation.

But how much more are people really getting? And is it actually making a difference?

Let’s talk about it in real terms.

What Even Is COLA?

COLA stands for Cost-of-Living Adjustment, and it’s the government’s way of helping Social Security keep pace with rising prices. So if groceries, gas, and rent are going up, the idea is—your benefits should, too.

For 2025, the COLA was set at 3.2%. It’s not huge, especially after we saw bigger jumps in past years, but it’s something.

So, What’s the Average Check Now?

Here’s a general look at what folks are getting each month after the 3.2% increase:

• Most retired workers are getting around $1,907 per month

• Retired couples (if both are receiving benefits) are averaging $3,033

• The max benefit, for those who waited until full retirement age and had high earnings, is around $3,822

Of course, these are just averages—everyone’s situation is different. What you get depends on things like your earnings history, when you started claiming, and if you’re getting spousal or disability benefits.

When’s the Money Coming?

Here’s how the Social Security payment schedule works in May 2025:

• If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th → you were paid on May 8

• If your birthday is between the 11th and 20th → you’ll get your check May 14

• If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st → your payment’s coming on May 22

The government always sends out payments on Wednesdays, depending on your birthdate.

Is the COLA Bump Actually Helping?

Honestly? It helps a little—but let’s not sugarcoat it. Prices are still high. A few extra dollars a month is better than nothing, but for a lot of retirees, it still doesn’t stretch far enough—especially if you’re covering rent, food, prescriptions, and everything else.

But that’s the point of the COLA: to try and keep your Social Security check from falling behind. It’s not perfect, but it’s meant to help your money keep some of its value.

If your birthday’s in the middle of the month, your May 14 payment is coming soon—and it should be a little higher than what you got in 2024.

It’s not life-changing, but it’s something. And in times like these, every bit of extra support matters.

If you ever want to double-check your benefits or get a breakdown of your exact payments, the safest place to go is ssa.gov. That’s where all the official info lives—no scams, no confusion.