WASHINGTON — The Social Security Administration is implementing changes in 2025, including increased payments for some beneficiaries and the discontinuation of paper checks, though most of the nearly 74 million recipients will see no significant changes to their monthly benefits this month.
Regular Social Security retirement benefits will follow the standard Wednesday distribution schedule in May, based on recipients’ birth dates: May 14 for those born between the 1st and 10th, May 21 for those born between the 11th and 20th, and May 28 for those born between the 21st and 31st, according to the agency’s 2025 calendar.
Approximately 7.4 million Americans receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive two payments in May due to scheduling adjustments for months when the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday. The first payment, for May 2025, arrives on May 1, while the second, for June 2025, is scheduled for May 30 because June 1 is a Sunday. About half of SSI recipients also receive Social Security benefits.
The SSA’s full 2025 and 2026 payment schedules are available online for budgeting purposes. SSI payments for the remainder of 2025 are set for July 1, Aug. 1, Aug. 29, Oct. 1, Oct. 31, Dec. 1, and Dec. 31.
The agency is phasing out paper checks, requiring beneficiaries to switch to electronic payments. This change aims to improve efficiency and security for the millions of Americans, including those with disabilities or limited resources, who rely on Social Security and SSI payments.