Waiting for Your May Social Security Check? Find Out Exactly When and How Much!

Hey! If you’re waiting to see how much Social Security money will show up this month, you’re definitely not alone. It’s something a lot of folks think about, especially when planning their budget.

So, here’s the scoop on what you can expect for your payment in May 2025.

The Average Check Amount

On average, Social Security retirees get about $1,976 a month right now. That’s a bit higher than last year because the government bumped up payments by about 2.5% to help keep up with rising prices. It’s like a little annual raise so your money doesn’t lose value as things get more expensive.

When Will That Money Hit Your Account?

Your payment date depends on when your birthday falls:

• If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st of the month, you’ll usually get your check on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

• For May 2025, that means your money should arrive around May 28.

If you were born earlier in the month, your payment comes sooner — usually the second or third Wednesday.

How Do They Figure Out Your Payment?

Not everyone gets exactly the same amount — your check depends on:

• How much you earned during your working years (they look at your 35 highest-earning years).

• When you decided to start collecting benefits — start earlier, get less each month; wait longer, get more.

• Other little factors, but those are the biggies.

So, your payment might be more or less than that $1,976 average.

What About SSI?

If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead of regular Social Security, the monthly amounts are different:

• Up to about $967 for a single person

• Up to about $1,450 if you have a spouse

• Around $484 for someone who’s an essential person living with you

These amounts can vary a bit depending on your state and situation.

Want to Know Your Exact Amount?

The best way to get your personal number is to check out the Social Security Administration’s website at ssa.gov. You can log in and see your benefits, or call them if you want to talk to a real person.

For most folks, you can expect a Social Security payment around $1,976 this May, with your exact amount depending on your work history and when you started taking benefits. If your birthday is later in the month, expect your payment around May 28.

And if you’re getting SSI, your amount will be different — but those payments help too!