For Social Security beneficiaries in the United States, especially retirees who began receiving their benefits before May 1997, the monthly wait to get their check can be long. These individuals belong to what is known as group 1 on the payment schedule, and they normally only receive one monthly benefit during the first few days of the month. However, the first week of May brings important news for them.
Some retirees in this group could be in for a pleasant surprise if they meet certain requirements. This time around, the first week of the month will bring two different payments that could add up to a considerable amount. For many, especially those who depend almost entirely on this source of income, this can make a real difference in their monthly budget.
Although not all retirees prior to May 1997 will receive both payments, there is a portion of this population that could receive two checks in a row: one for retirement and one for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Of course, you must meet the eligibility requirements established by the Social Security Administration.
Requirements for the two Social Security payments
The first payment will arrive on May 1 and corresponds to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a form of assistance for people with low incomes, whether they are over 65 or have a disability. To be eligible for SSI, you must not only meet the age or disability criteria, but also have very limited income and resources. The maximum SSI payment in 2025 will be $967 for individuals and $1,450 for married couples.
The second payment will be issued on May 2, an irregularity in the Social Security calendar. Normally, group 1 beneficiaries get their payment on the 3rd of the month, but since May 3 falls on a weekend, the payment is moved up. This check is intended exclusively for those who have been receiving retirement benefits since before May 1997 and is not related to SSI. So, if a person is part of this group and is also eligible for SSI, they will receive two checks in just 48 hours.
This type of coincidence does not occur every month, so it is important to pay attention to the requirements and the official calendar published by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If in doubt, you can always check the status of your payment using tools such as My Social Security, or by calling the SSA directly.
Other Social Security payments in May
Beyond May 1 and 2, there are other key dates for Social Security retirees. On May 14, payments will be made to those who have been receiving benefits since after May 1997 and were also born between the 1st and 10th of the month. This is the first group of so-called staggered payments.
The next date to mark on your calendar is May 21. In this case, beneficiaries must have started receiving Social Security after May 1997 and have a birthday between the 11th and 20th. This is the middle group in the monthly payment schedule.
Finally, on May 28, checks will be issued to the last group of beneficiaries. This group includes those who also began receiving Social Security after May 1997, but with the condition that their date of birth is between the 21st and 31st of the month.
As always, these payments can be collected via Direct Deposit or through a Direct Express card, two fast and secure methods that allow you to receive your money without unnecessary delays.