What you need to know about the SSA’s May payment dates for Social Security and the Supplemental Security Income program.
When are Social Security and SSI benefits paid out in May 2026? The complete payment schedule
With only one payment run remaining after today, the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) is nearing the end of its benefits-distribution schedule for May 2026.
Keep reading for full details about this month’s payment timeline for the Social Security scheme, which issues retirement, disability and survivor benefits to 71.1 million Americans. You’ll also find the lowdown on the schedule for the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI):
Three-Wednesdays Social Security cycle: May 2026 status update
Most Social Security recipients in the U.S. are paid on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in each month, depending on their date of birth.
In May 2026, this birthday-dependent payment cycle began on the 13th, before continuing today, Wednesday 20. It is then due to conclude next week:
- Born on 1st-10th of any month: Wednesday, May 13
- Born on 11th-20th of any month: Wednesday, May 20
- Born on 21st-31st of any month: Wednesday, May 27
NB: If you receive Social Security benefits based on someone else’s employment history, the SSA uses the other person’s birthday.
What other payment dates are on the schedule for May 2026?
On Friday, May 1, three groups of SSA beneficiaries were scheduled to pick up their latest payment:
- SSI beneficiaries
A benefits scheme with 7.3 million recipients across the U.S., SSI is paid out on the first day of each month.
Aimed at certain low-income, low-resource individuals, SSI is separate from Social Security. Both programs are operated by the SSA, but SSI differs as it is a purely needs-based benefits: eligibility is not work history-dependent.
- Long-term Social Security recipients
May 1 was this month’s Social Security payment date for claimants who signed up to the program before May 1997. These long-standing beneficiaries would normally have been paid on May 3, but this date fell on a non-business day.
- Dual beneficiaries: Social Security + SSI
Social Security was also issued two days ahead of schedule to the 2.5 million recipients who combine retirement, disability or survivor benefits with the SSI program.
How much are Social Security and SSI benefits?
- Retirement: $2,026.41
- Disability: $1,493.20
- Survivor: $1,625.56
- SSI: $738.22
(Average monthly benefit, according to SSA stats.)
How does the Social Security Administration make benefits payments?
- Benefits can be paid into a recipient’s bank account by direct deposit
- Monday can be loaded onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for federal payments
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment