Social Security recipients, particularly those on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), may be in for a pleasant surprise this May. For the first time this year, some individuals will receive an extra payment, boosting their benefits by up to $600. The change, while affecting a select group of people, highlights the nuances of Social Security payments and the adjustments made for certain calendar quirks.
What’s Behind the Extra Payment?
The boost in Social Security benefits this month comes from an unusual calendar occurrence. For individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), there will be two payments in May instead of the usual one. This happens because there will be no SSI payments in June.
The first payment, which was distributed on May 1, 2025, was worth up to $967. The second payment will follow on May 30, 2025. For eligible recipients, this means they could see an extra $600 compared to a typical month. However, the July payment will be a regular one, without this added boost.
The reason for the additional May payment is due to scheduling quirks tied to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) calendar. Since SSI payments are issued on the first of each month (or the last business day of the previous month when the first falls on a weekend or holiday), and since June’s payment won’t be issued, the SSA has combined May and June’s payments into two separate checks instead of one.
This dual-payment setup will occur again in August, October, and December 2025 due to similar calendar conflicts.
Who Benefits from This Extra Payment?
The additional $600 could be a significant boost for millions of Americans receiving SSI. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides Supplemental Security Income to individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and have limited income and resources. As of May 2025, around seven million individuals across the country receive SSI benefits.
The May 1 payment, issued on the first business day of the month, was the standard monthly payment that eligible individuals were expecting. But because there will be no SSI payments in June, recipients will receive an additional payment on May 30, 2025. This essentially provides beneficiaries with two payments in May, rather than one.
It’s important to note that this double-payment scenario only applies to those receiving SSI. Other Social Security beneficiaries such as retirees and people with disabilities will not receive any extra payments this month, though their benefits are typically distributed on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month depending on the beneficiary’s birthdate. The next round of these payments is set for May 14, 2025.
Impact on Social Security Recipients Beyond SSI
While the $600 boost applies to SSI recipients, other Social Security beneficiaries may also see an increase in their monthly checks due to changes in Social Security laws earlier this year.
In January 2025, Congress passed the Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions had previously reduced Social Security benefits for certain public sector retirees who had also worked in non-Social Security-covered jobs. With the removal of these provisions, eligible individuals are seeing an increase in their monthly payments, with some beneficiaries even receiving retroactive payments.
Beneficiaries affected by the WEP and GPO repeal may see increases in their monthly benefits ranging from $360 to $1,190, depending on their individual circumstances. Retroactive payments could amount to an average of $6,710, offering significant financial relief.
These changes are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that public sector workers who paid into Social Security are not unfairly penalized when it comes to their retirement benefits. The changes were introduced as part of broader legislative changes designed to make Social Security more equitable.
How to Check Your Payment Schedule
For Social Security recipients, it’s important to stay informed about your payment schedule, especially during months like May when unexpected changes can happen. The SSA has made it easy for recipients to keep track of their payments.
You can view your payment schedule by logging into your my Social Security account on the official SSA website. This account will show you when your next payment is due and can help you plan accordingly.
The SSA also provides helpful resources regarding SSI and other Social Security benefits through their official website, www.ssa.gov. Here, you can find updates about payment schedules, new legislation, and changes that may affect your benefits.
If you’re a beneficiary of SSI or other Social Security programs, it’s recommended to check your account regularly to stay on top of any changes that might impact your monthly benefits.
Other Important Dates to Remember
Social Security payments for retirees and people with disabilities are typically scheduled based on the beneficiary’s birthdate. Here’s a general breakdown of when these payments are made:
- Second Wednesday of the month: Beneficiaries born on the 1st through the 10th of the month.
- Third Wednesday of the month: Beneficiaries born on the 11th through the 20th of the month.
- Fourth Wednesday of the month: Beneficiaries born on the 21st through the 31st of the month.
If your birthdate falls on a weekend or holiday, your payment may be shifted to the nearest business day. For example, May payments for some beneficiaries will fall on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month, depending on the individual’s birthdate.
Conclusion
For Social Security and SSI recipients, May 2025 is an unusual month filled with positive changes. While some beneficiaries will receive up to $600 extra this month due to two SSI payments being issued, others may benefit from the repeal of the WEP and GPO, resulting in increased monthly benefits. The changes, though temporary, represent an important adjustment in the system that can help improve the financial situation for millions of Americans.