$0 Deposit? Here’s Why Your Social Security Payment Could Vanish in May

Let’s be honest—Social Security checks are a lifeline for a lot of folks. They help cover rent, groceries, meds, and all those everyday things we have to pay for. So when something goes wrong with that payment? It’s more than just frustrating—it’s scary.

And here’s the kicker: a lot of times, people lose or delay their benefits not because they did anything majorly wrong… but because of small, easy-to-miss mistakes.

So if you’re getting Social Security benefits—whether it’s SSI, SSDI, or retirement—here are a few things to watch out for this May that could help you avoid some real headaches.

1. Did You Move? Get Married? Change Banks? Tell SSA ASAP

Life changes—maybe you moved to a new apartment, opened a new bank account, or changed your last name after marriage. Totally normal. But if you forget to update that info with the Social Security Administration (SSA)? You might not get paid on time—or at all.

Seriously. Even something as small as a typo in your mailing address or your bank info being outdated can cause them to pause your benefits while they “figure it out.”

What you can do: Log into your my Social Security account online (it’s free). Update your info in minutes. If you don’t have an account yet, now’s a great time to set one up—it can save you a ton of time and stress later.

2. Earning a Little Extra? That’s Okay—Just Be Upfront About It

Let’s say you pick up some part-time work or maybe sell stuff on the side to get by. Totally fair. But if you’re on SSI or SSDI, you’ve gotta tell the SSA about it—even if it’s just a small amount.

Why? Because if they think you earned “too much” and you didn’t report it, they can come back at you for that money. And now—this is new in 2025—they can take your entire monthly check to pay themselves back.

Imagine expecting your deposit on the 3rd… and it never shows up. All because of an honest mistake.

What to do: Keep them in the loop. You can report your earnings online or by calling. It might be annoying, but it’s way better than losing your whole check out of nowhere.

3. Applying for Benefits? Be Ready to Show Up In Person

Here’s something that’s tripped up a lot of people lately: if you’re applying for retirement or survivor benefits and can’t complete it online, you have to go into a Social Security office in person now.

This started back in April 2025. They’re trying to fight fraud—which is great—but it also means longer wait times and appointment-only visits in some areas.

Your move: If you know you need to apply or finish up paperwork, don’t wait. Call your local office and schedule an appointment as soon as you can. Walk-ins are usually a no-go these days, and the longer you wait, the longer you might be stuck without your benefits.

Protect Your Benefits By Staying on Top of the Details

Here’s the truth: nobody wants to deal with missing checks, long phone calls, or complicated paperwork. And most of the time, avoiding that stuff just takes a little bit of effort upfront.

So here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Keep your info up to date (address, bank, name changes, etc.)

• Always report extra income—even if it’s small

• Know when you need to show up in person and schedule early

These things don’t take long—but they make a huge difference in keeping your payments smooth and stress-free.

If something feels off—or you’re not sure what you need to do—reach out to the SSA directly. Don’t wait for a missed check to find out something went wrong.

You’ve worked hard, and your benefits are something you earned. Let’s make sure you get every dollar, on time, without the drama.