With thousands of Social Security beneficiaries across the United States eagerly watching their bank accounts, a growing question has emerged — will there be a third Social Security check in May 2025? The short answer: Yes, but only for a specific group of people.
This unique situation arises due to quirks in the Social Security Administration (SSA) payment calendar.
Let’s dive into what this means, who qualifies, and how the payment schedule works this month.
Why Three Payments Are Happening in May 2025
The third check scenario is not a bonus or a new benefit. Instead, it results from the SSA’s rule to issue Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments on the first of each month.
If that date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is advanced to the last business day of the previous month.
In this case:
- June 1, 2025, falls on a Sunday, so the June SSI payment is being made on May 30, 2025.
- That means eligible beneficiaries will receive two SSI payments in May — one on May 1 (for May) and one on May 30 (for June).
Who Gets Three Payments in May 2025?
Not all recipients will get three payments. Here’s a breakdown:
- SSI + Social Security recipients: Those who receive both SSI and Social Security benefits will get three payments in May:
- May 1: May SSI payment
- May 3: Social Security payment
- May 30: June SSI payment
- SSI-only recipients: Will receive two payments:
- May 1 and May 30
- Social Security-only recipients: Will receive their regular single monthly payment based on their birthdate.
Social Security Payment Dates – May 2025
The SSA payment schedule is determined by the recipient’s birth date. Here’s how it works for Social Security (excluding SSI):
| Date of Birth | Payment Date (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Before May 1997 | May 3 (always 3rd of the month) |
| 1st – 10th | May 8 (2nd Wednesday) |
| 11th – 20th | May 15 (3rd Wednesday) |
| 21st – 31st | May 22 (4th Wednesday) |
SSI Payment Dates:
- May 1, 2025 – Regular May SSI payment
- May 30, 2025 – Advanced June SSI payment (due to June 1 falling on a Sunday)
Important Notes
- These extra checks are not new benefits or bonuses; they are timing adjustments.
- No additional application is required to receive these checks.
- Recipients should not expect a third check in June — the May 30 payment covers June’s SSI.
The appearance of a third Social Security-related payment in May 2025 may seem like a bonus, but it’s actually a schedule adjustment made by the Social Security Administration to maintain payment consistency.
For those receiving both SSI and Social Security, May will bring three deposits. However, it’s important to note that June’s SSI check has simply been moved up, not duplicated. Always track your deposits, check official schedules, and stay informed on any updates from SSA.
FAQs
Will everyone get a third Social Security check in May 2025?
No. Only those receiving both SSI and Social Security benefits will receive three payments this month. Others will get one or two, depending on their enrollment.
Why are there two SSI payments in May 2025?
Because June 1, 2025, falls on a Sunday, the June SSI payment is advanced to May 30, resulting in two SSI payments in May.
Will there be a Social Security check in June 2025 for those who get three in May?
Yes, but only the regular Social Security payment. There will be no SSI payment in June since it’s paid early on May 30.