May Social Security Check: When Is Your Payment Coming?

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Two rounds of May Social Security payments have gone out this month, with two left to go. If you haven't received your monthly check yet, keep an eye out for it this week or next week. Additionally, if you're still waiting on your April check, this could be why it hasn't arrived.

Your check arrival time depends on your birthday and when you started receiving Social Security benefits. If you're unsure, we'll tell you the exact date to expect your money.

We'll help you find out if you should expect a check this week, as well as how your payment date is determined. For more, here's the maximum amount of Social Security money you can receive each month and how to apply for benefits.

Read more: Why SSI Recipients Are Getting Two Payments in May

When will my May Social Security check arrive?

Below, you'll see the May schedule for when you should receive your Social Security check or SSI money.

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May 3: Social Security payments for people who've received Social Security since before May 1997.
May 8: Social Security payments for people with birthdays falling between the first and 10th of any given month.
May 15: Social Security payments for people with birthdays falling between the 11th and 20th of any given month.
May 22: Social Security payments for people with birthdays falling between the 21st and 31st of any given month.

How is my Social Security payment date determined?

The Social Security Administration typically sends out payments on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Which day you receive your check depends on your birthday.

If your birthday falls between the first and 10th of the month, your payment will be sent the second Wednesday of the month.
If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of the month, your payment will be sent the third Wednesday of the month.
If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of the month, your payment will be sent the fourth Wednesday of the month.

Payments for SSI recipients generally arrive on the first of each month, with a few exceptions that we'll explain below.

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Read more: Turning 67 in 2024? What to Know Before You Retire

What if I receive both Social Security and SSI payments?

If you received Social Security benefits before May 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and SSI, the payment schedule is different. Instead of getting your payments on a Wednesday, you'll receive your Social Security payment on the third day of each month and your SSI on the first day of each month.

Those payment dates change if the first or third day of the month falls on a weekend or a holiday. For instance, March 3 fell on a weekend, so Social Security recipients received their March payments two days early, on March 1.

What if my check doesn't arrive on the expected date?

If your check doesn't arrive on the date listed above, the Social Security Administration advises waiting three additional mailing days before reaching out. After that, you can speak with a representative at 800-772-1213. (The SSA notes that wait times are shorter Wednesday through Friday and between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.)

You can also access your Social Security benefits online.

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