Social Security Payments Still Rolling Out in May: Who Gets Paid After May 15?

If you haven’t received your Social Security payment yet this month, don’t panic—your money might still be on the way.

While millions of Americans have already seen their deposits arrive, many recipients are scheduled to be paid after May 15. The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays benefits on a staggered schedule each month based on birth dates, and some May payments haven’t gone out yet.

So, who’s still waiting—and when will the money hit their accounts?

Who Gets Paid Next?

The next round of payments is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22. This date applies to anyone receiving Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits whose birthday falls between the 21st and the 31st of any month.

If your birthday lands in that window, you can expect your May deposit to arrive by next Wednesday, typically by early morning if you use direct deposit.

Who’s Already Been Paid?

Here’s how the rest of the May 2025 Social Security payment schedule has already played out:

• May 3 (Friday): For those who started receiving benefits before May 1997

• May 8 (Wednesday): For people born on the 1st to the 10th

• May 15 (Wednesday): For birthdays from the 11th to the 20th

If your birthday falls within those earlier date ranges, your payment should have already been deposited. If it hasn’t shown up, it may be time to check with your bank or contact the SSA.

When Will You See the Money?

Most people receive their Social Security benefits through direct deposit, which means payments usually land in your account on the scheduled day. However, if you’re still getting paper checks by mail, it might take a few days longer depending on postal delivery in your area.

There are no holidays this month that would delay the upcoming May 22 payment, so you can expect it to arrive on time.

What About SSI Payments?

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’re on a different payment schedule altogether. SSI benefits were paid out on Thursday, May 1. The next SSI payment comes early, on Friday, May 31, because June 1 falls on a weekend.

Bottom Line

If your birthday is between May 21 and 31, your Social Security payment is coming soon—on May 22. Everyone else should have already received their money.

If you’re still waiting and think you’ve been missed, give it a few business days, check with your bank, and then contact the SSA if necessary.