Throughout the year, Social Security in the United States follows a fairly predictable schedule for sending monthly payments to beneficiaries. However, from time to time, that schedule is disrupted by holidays or the way dates fall on the calendar. This is exactly what will happen in May 2025, when a specific group of retirees will get their check earlier than usual.
Although it’s a noticeable change, for many beneficiaries it may go unnoticed. But for those who depend on Social Security money to cover their most immediate expenses, getting their payment early can be a significant relief. At the same time, it’s key to understand which group you belong to and why this change is happening.
In May, those in Group 1 of retirees, meaning those who began collecting their benefits before May 1997, will see their monthly deposit on May 2, a Thursday. This is a change from other months, when this group usually collects on the third business day of the month. This time, the calendar has caused the deposit to be moved up slightly.
Why is the payment for group 1 being made early in May?
Generally, payments for Social Security group 1 are sent on the 3rd of each month, unless that date falls on a weekend or holiday. In May 2025, the 3rd will be a Saturday, which means that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send the money early, on Friday, May 2.
These types of adjustments are not uncommon and are intended to ensure that beneficiaries get their money without delay, even when the original payment day falls on a non-business day. The SSA does not make deposits on weekends or federal holidays, so these date changes are completely normal and are anticipated in your annual calendar.
It is important to note that this change only affects Group 1. All other beneficiaries, meaning those who began receiving their retirement benefits after May 1997, will continue to receive their checks according to the regular Wednesday schedule based on their birth date.
Social Security dates for all other groups in May 2025
Following the early payment for Group 1, the next Social Security checks in May will be sent on these dates:
- Wednesday, May 7: for those whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th of the month (group 2).
- Wednesday, May 14: for those born between the 11th and 20th (group 3).
- Wednesday, May 21: for beneficiaries with birthdays between the 21st and 31st (group 4).
These groups follow the traditional Wednesday schedule and are not affected by any calendar adjustments this month.
If you are in group 1, remember to check your bank account on May 2, as the money should be there by then, although it depends on your chosen collection method. If you do not yet use direct deposit, now is a good time to activate it and ensure that the money arrives on time without having to wait any longer, although it is true that each American chooses the Social Security collection method that best suits them.