First of Two SSI Payments Arriving May 1: Why two payments are being issued this month

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues millions of monthly payments to its beneficiaries, most of whom are retired workers or people with some disability. The latter usually fall into the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which assists people of all ages with disabilities and, in some cases, their family members. To qualify for SSI, a potential beneficiary cannot earn more than $1,971 each month. You can use an eligibility tool through the SSA website to see if you qualify for SSI benefits.

Two payments will be made in May

The SSA makes SSI payments on the first of every month unless the first falls on a weekend or holiday. This means the May payment will be made on Wednesday, 1 May. However, since the first of June falls on a Saturday, the June payment will be made on Friday, 31 May. To be clear, this is not an additional payment; it is just the June benefits being paid early.

How many people receive SSI benefits?

A total of 7.4 million people received SSI benefits in March 2024, with over half being older than eighteen but younger than sixty-four.

The payments for seniors are lower than those distributed to other age groups because many beneficiaries are also eligible to receive Social Security benefits.

How much have SSI benefits increased in value over the last year?

Since March 2023, the value of SSI benefits has increased by an average of three percent. However, there are variations in the rate of increase among different age groups. SSI benefits for individuals under the age of 18 have gone up by 2.1 percent since last year. Recipients between the ages of 18 and 64 have seen an increase of 3.4 percent, while those who are 65 years old or older have experienced a surge of 3.8 percent in the value of their benefits.