Many Americans will receive two Social Security payments in May 2025, causing excitement among beneficiaries. However, this double payment is not an extra benefit or bonus. It is due to a scheduling issue with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here’s what you need to know.
Why Are There Double Payments in May 2025?
The double payment stems from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. SSI helps people with limited income and resources, including the elderly, blind, and disabled. SSI payments usually come on the first day of each month. If the first falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the SSA sends the payment on the last business day of the previous month.
In May 2025, SSI recipients will get their regular payment on May 1. Since June 1 is a Sunday, the June payment will arrive early on Friday, May 30. This means SSI beneficiaries will get two payments in May: one at the start and another at the end, which covers June’s benefit in advance. Remember, this is not extra money; it is just an early payment to avoid delays.
Who Qualifies for the Double Payment?
The double payment applies to those receiving Supplemental Security Income. To qualify for SSI, individuals must have limited income and resources and be aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
The maximum SSI payment for 2025 is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, but actual amounts may be lower based on personal circumstances.
Some Social Security recipients who started receiving benefits before May 1997—often called Group 1—might also see two checks in early May. This includes their regular Social Security retirement or disability benefit and their SSI payment, if they qualify for both programs.
What Should Recipients Expect?
If you receive SSI, expect your first payment on May 1 and a second payment covering June’s benefit on May 30. There will be no SSI payment in June since that month’s benefit is sent early. For those who also receive Social Security retirement or disability payments, the timing depends on your birth date and when you started receiving benefits.
The SSA says this scheduling change helps ensure timely payments and prevents financial hardship. Recipients do not need to report the second payment as a mistake or duplicate