Social Security Payments Are Staggered — Are You Missing Your Money?

Waiting on your Social Security check and it didn’t arrive on May 14, 2025? Don’t stress — it might just be that your payment is scheduled for a different day. The Social Security Administration (SSA) actually splits up payments based on when your birthday falls during the month.

How Does It Work?

Here’s the simple breakdown:

• If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th of the month, you get your payment on the second Wednesday — which was May 14 this year.

• If you were born between the 11th and 20th, your payment comes on the third Wednesday — that’s May 21.

• And if your birthday is from the 21st to the end of the month, you’ll see your payment on the fourth Wednesday, May 28 this time.

So, if you didn’t get your payment on May 14, chances are your birthday means your check is just on its way a little later.

What About Those Who Started Benefits a Long Time Ago or Get SSI?

If you’ve been getting Social Security since before May 1997, or if you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payment schedule is different.

Usually, you get your money on the third day of the month. But since May 3, 2025, was a Saturday, the SSA sent payments out a day early — on May 2.

Why Did SSI Recipients Get Two Payments This Month?

You might’ve noticed SSI recipients got paid twice in May — once on May 1 and again on May 30. That’s not a bonus or extra cash; it’s just the SSA making sure payments aren’t delayed because June 1 falls on a Sunday.

What If Your Payment Is Late?

Mail can be slow sometimes. The SSA recommends giving it three more business days after the payment date before you start to worry.

If after that your check still hasn’t arrived, don’t hesitate to contact the SSA. They can help figure out what’s going on and make sure you get your payment.

The Takeaway

Social Security payments don’t all land on the same day. It depends on your birthday and the kind of benefits you get. Knowing this can take the edge off when you’re waiting.

And if your payment is late, there’s a simple process to get it sorted.

Need help figuring out your payment schedule or want tips on how to check online? Just ask — I’ve got you covered.