Here’s Why an Extra Social Security Check Is Coming Your Way Next Week
Next week, some Social Security beneficiaries will notice an unusual occurrence: they’ll receive a third payment in May, instead of the typical two payments.
This isn’t an error or an additional bonus. The alignment of the payment calendar with the month’s Wednesdays is the reason for this extra deposit.
How Social Security Payment Groups Are Structured
The Social Security Administration (SSA) schedules payments based on your birth date and the type of benefit you receive. Most recipients fall into one of the following three groups:
Group 1: Birth Dates from the 1st to the 10th
- Payment is made on the second Wednesday of the month.
Group 2: Birth Dates from the 11th to the 20th
- Payment is made on the third Wednesday of the month.
Group 3: Birth Dates from the 21st to the 31st
- Payment is made on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
This month, May began on a Thursday and will end on a Saturday. Due to this, Group 1 beneficiaries received their payment on May 14, Group 2 will be paid on May 21, and Group 3 will get their payment on May 28.
Additionally, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients received a payment on May 1. As a result, individuals who receive both SSI and Social Security benefits are receiving three separate payments this month.
Is This Extra Payment a Bonus?
While the third payment might seem like a windfall, it’s simply an early payment due to the way the monthly payment cycle lines up. For beneficiaries receiving three payments, it’s a good idea to budget carefully and set aside one payment to cover expenses for June.
The SSA typically issues SSI payments on the first of the month unless that date falls on a weekend or holiday, which can lead to a gap between payments. Planning ahead can help prevent financial stress during these gaps.
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive All Payments
If you were expecting three payments but only received two, take a look at your benefit type and bank deposit history.
The My Social Security portal on SSA.gov allows you to check your upcoming payments and verify your schedule. If you notice any discrepancies, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local field office for assistance.
How COLA Affects May Payments
This month’s Social Security payments include the latest Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which raised benefits by 2.6% for 2025.
This increase is helping beneficiaries, especially retirees on fixed incomes, cope with rising grocery, utility, and housing costs. The SSA will begin calculating the 2026 COLA this summer, using current inflation trends as a basis.
Payment Schedule for May 2025
| Group | Birth Dates | Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | 1st to 10th | May 14 |
| Group 2 | 11th to 20th | May 21 |
| Group 3 | 21st to 31st | May 28 |
If you received three payments this month, there’s no need to worry—it’s part of the regular payment cycle. Be sure to plan ahead and budget these funds for both May and June to help manage your expenses.
Understanding the SSA’s payment schedule will help you stay on top of your finances and avoid confusion about your benefits.
FAQs
Why did I receive three Social Security payments this month?
You received three payments because the monthly payment cycle aligned with the calendar, and this month, payments fell on specific Wednesdays. Those who also receive SSI benefits got an additional payment on May 1.
How can I check if I’m receiving all my payments?
You can check your payment schedule using the My Social Security portal on SSA.gov. If you notice any discrepancies, you can also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office.
Will this extra payment be repeated every month?
No, this is a one-time occurrence due to how the payment calendar aligns with May’s Wednesdays. You can expect two payments in the future unless there are further changes to the calendar.