The U.S.’s Social Security Administration is this week due to send out May 2026’s next batch of benefits payments.
Social Security paid out on Wednesday, May 20: who gets benefits?
The latest round of Social Security benefits is to go out this week, in the penultimate payment run on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) schedule for May.
Who gets Social Security on Wednesday, May 20?
Of the 71 million recipients of Social Security benefits in the U.S., most are paid on one of three Wednesdays each month, depending on their date of birth.
This Wednesday, the SSA is to pay claimants born between the 11th and 20th of any month.
May’s full three-Wednesdays schedule is:
- Born on 1st-10th: Wednesday, May 13
- Born on 11th-20th: Wednesday, May 20
- Born on 21st-31st: Wednesday, May 27
Important: If you claim Social Security benefits based on someone else’s work record, the SSA uses the other person’s birthday.
What other Social Security payment dates are there in May?
- May 1: Certain long-term beneficiaries
Beneficiaries who signed up before May 1997 are typically paid on the third of the month, no matter their birthday. But May 3 was a Sunday, so this group of recipients got its Social Security on Friday, May 1.
- May 1: Dual recipients (Social Security + SSI)
Social Security can be combined with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a benefit for certain low-income individuals. Dual recipients usually get Social Security on the third, with SSI paid on the first. As May 3 fell on a weekend day, however, both were issued on Friday 1.
How much are Social Security benefits?
- Retirement: $2,026.41/month
- Disability: $1,493.20/month
- Survivor: $1,625.56/month
(Average benefit, per the SSA.)
How does Social Security pay benefits?
- Direct deposit
Social Security recipients can update their bank details using the SSA’s online my Social Security tool.
- Direct Express
Money can be loaded onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for federal disbursements. Sign up at 1-800-333-1795 or 1-800-772-1213, or at a Social Security office.
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