In May 2025, millions of Americans receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will notice something unusual: they’ll receive two checks in the same month. This isn’t a mistake or a surprise bonus—it’s the result of a rare calendar fluke that affects when the government sends out payments.
This article provides a thorough explanation of why this happens, who benefits, how much they’ll receive, and how to plan for it. Whether you’re a retiree, a caregiver, or a financial advisor helping clients, understanding this scheduling quirk can help you stay one step ahead.
Social Security Sends Extra Checks Thanks
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Reason for Extra Check | Due to June 1 falling on a Sunday, June’s SSI payment is issued early on May 30. |
| Who Is Affected | All SSI recipients, some Social Security beneficiaries with dual eligibility. |
| 2025 SSI Payment Dates | May 1 (regular payment) and May 30 (advance for June). |
| Maximum Monthly SSI Benefits (2025) | $967 for individuals, $1,450 for couples, $484 for essential persons. |
| Future Double Payment Months | August 2025 (Aug 1 and Aug 29), October 2025 (Oct 1 and Oct 31). |
| SSA Payment Schedule | ssa.gov/pubs/calendar.htm |
Why Are Extra Checks Sent in Some Months?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are scheduled to arrive on the first of each month. However, if the first day of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues the payment on the nearest prior business day.
In 2025, June 1 lands on a Sunday, which means the June payment is issued on Friday, May 30. As a result, recipients will get two payments in May—the first on May 1 (for May) and the second on May 30 (for June).
This scheduling quirk ensures uninterrupted benefit delivery, especially for recipients who rely on this income for essentials like rent, food, and medication.
Who Will Receive the Extra Checks?
This affects anyone receiving SSI benefits, which includes:
- Elderly individuals aged 65 or older with limited income and resources.
- Adults and children with disabilities who meet SSA’s financial criteria.
- Some recipients who also receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits, particularly those with dual eligibility.
There’s another nuance: if you began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997 and also get SSI, you might receive three payments in May 2025:
- May 1 – Regular SSI payment.
- May 2 – Social Security benefit.
- May 30 – Early SSI payment for June.
Depending on your birthdate and type of benefit, you might receive another Social Security check later in the month.
How Much Will You Receive?
The federal base SSI benefit amounts for 2025 are:
- $967 per month for an individual.
- $1,450 for a couple where both are eligible.
- $484 for an essential person (someone living with the beneficiary and helping with daily care).
Note: These amounts may be supplemented by state benefits, depending on where you live. Some states, like California, New York, and Massachusetts, offer state-funded SSI supplements that can add significantly to the base amount. For more information, visit your state’s Department of Social Services or ssa.gov.
Future Months With Double Payments
This calendar quirk doesn’t just happen in May. It will occur again in August and October 2025:
- August 1 (regular) and August 29 (early September payment)
- October 1 (regular) and October 31 (early November payment)
Important: These are not bonus payments. You are not receiving more money overall, just earlier than usual. This means that no SSI payment will be sent in June, September, or November.
How to Budget Around This Change
If you receive SSI or help someone who does, you’ll want to plan your spending to stretch the double payment across two months.
Here are some tips:
- Set aside part of the second check for June expenses.
- Use automatic bill payment to avoid missed payments if you’re tempted to spend the second check early.
- If you have questions or concerns about your benefits, contact the Social Security Administration directly at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Legislative Update: Retroactive Payments and Increased Benefits
There’s more good news for some beneficiaries. Beginning in April 2025, certain Social Security recipients will receive larger monthly payments and retroactive checks due to the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
These outdated rules previously reduced benefits for workers who had jobs not covered by Social Security, such as teachers and police officers. The Social Security Fairness Act has now eliminated those provisions.
- The average retroactive payment is approximately $6,710.
- Ongoing monthly increases vary based on work history.
To check if you’re eligible, visit the SSA’s WEP/GPO update page at ssa.gov.
How to Confirm Your SSI Payment Schedule
You can always confirm the exact date your payment will arrive using:
- The Social Security Payment Calendar
- Your My Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount
- The Social Security mobile app, available for iOS and Android
If your payment hasn’t arrived within three business days after the scheduled date, contact the SSA immediately.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the extra check in May 2025 a bonus?
No. The second payment in May is simply your June payment delivered early because June 1 falls on a Sunday.
Will this happen every year?
No. It only happens in months where the 1st lands on a weekend or holiday, prompting early delivery of the following month’s payment.
Will there be a payment in June?
No. Since the June payment arrives on May 30, there will be no separate SSI deposit in June.
Does this affect Social Security retirement or disability benefits?
It mainly affects SSI. Social Security benefits follow a different payment schedule based on your birthdate and are typically not subject to this quirk.
Will I get less money because I got it early?
No. Your total benefit for the year remains the same—you’re just getting one month’s payment a few days early.
