The Social Security system is undergoing significant updates, including payment increases for certain Americans and a major shift away from paper checks.
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While former President Donald Trump previously proposed ending the taxation of Social Security benefits—a move yet to materialize—he did sign an executive order to discontinue the issuance of most paper checks starting September 30, 2025. However, the Treasury Department will continue to make exceptions for recipients without a bank account.
Currently, nearly 74 million beneficiaries receive their payments electronically, typically on Wednesdays each month. Payment dates are determined by birth dates:
- Birthdays from the 1st to the 10th: Paid on the second Wednesday (May 14, 2025)
- Birthdays from the 11th to the 20th: Paid on the third Wednesday (May 21, 2025)
- Birthdays after the 20th: Paid on the fourth Wednesday (May 28, 2025)
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), if your payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date, you should wait three additional mailing days before contacting them. Thanks to electronic deposits, 99% of payments are received on time.
SSI Recipients: Expect Two Payments in May 2025
For individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), May 2025 brings two payments:
- First payment: May 1, 2025 (for May benefits)
- Second payment: May 30, 2025 (for June benefits)
This occurs because June 1 falls on a Sunday, and when the first of the month is a weekend or federal holiday, payments are issued early.
Approximately 7.4 million Americans—many of whom have disabilities or limited financial resources—receive SSI benefits. Around half of these recipients also collect regular Social Security benefits.
April 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
The SSA provides annual payment schedules to help beneficiaries plan their finances. Here’s when retirees can expect their payments in May 2025:
- May 14, 2025: Birth dates between the 1st and 10th
- May 21, 2025: Birth dates between the 11th and 20th
- May 28, 2025: Birth dates between the 21st and 31st
For detailed planning, beneficiaries can access the full 2025 and 2026 payment calendars on the SSA’s official website.
Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a federal program that offers monthly payments to individuals with limited income or resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. Children with disabilities may also be eligible.
Typically, adults must have monthly earnings below $2,019 to qualify for SSI.
Applications for SSI can be started online, in person at a local Social Security office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) during business hours (8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday).
SSI Payment Dates for 2025
Here’s the SSI payment schedule for 2025, according to the SSA:
| Payment Date | Month Covered |
|---|---|
| Thursday, May 1, 2025 | May 2025 |
| Friday, May 30, 2025 | June 2025 |
| Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | July 2025 |
| Friday, August 1, 2025 | August 2025 |
| Friday, August 29, 2025 | September 2025 |
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | October 2025 |
| Friday, October 31, 2025 | November 2025 |
| Monday, December 1, 2025 | December 2025 |
| Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | January 2026 |
Recipients are encouraged to mark their calendars accordingly to ensure proper financial planning.
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FAQs About Social Security and SSI Payments in 2025
When will paper Social Security checks officially stop being issued?
Most paper Social Security checks will stop being issued starting September 30, 2025. However, exceptions will be made for recipients who do not have a checking account, according to the Treasury Department.
Why will SSI beneficiaries receive two payments in May 2025?
SSI recipients will receive two payments in May 2025 because June 1, 2025, falls on a Sunday. When the first day of a month is a weekend or holiday, the payment for the following month is sent early, resulting in two payments in May.
What should I do if my Social Security payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date?
If your payment doesn’t arrive on the scheduled date, the Social Security Administration recommends waiting three additional mailing days before contacting them. Most payments are processed electronically and arrive on time.
Who qualifies for SSI benefits?
SSI benefits are available to individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability and meet certain income and resource limits. Children with disabilities may also be eligible. Generally, adults must have monthly earnings below $2,019 to qualify.
