Millions of Americans who rely on Social Security are set to receive their latest monthly payment today, Wednesday, May 28. This includes retirees, individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and those collecting survivor benefits. If you’re wondering whether your check is arriving today, here’s a breakdown of who’s getting paid and how the payment schedule works.
Payment
The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends out payments on a schedule based largely on a person’s birth date. Each month, payments are issued on three different Wednesdays. Today’s round of checks goes to beneficiaries whose birthdays fall between the 21st and the 31st of the month. This marks the third and final round of May’s scheduled Wednesday payments.
Here’s the full May 2025 Social Security payment schedule:
| Birthday Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st to 10th | Wednesday, May 14 |
| 11th to 20th | Wednesday, May 21 |
| 21st to 31st | Wednesday, May 28 |
If your birthday is in that last group, your payment should arrive today.
Exceptions
Some people don’t follow the regular Wednesday schedule. If you began receiving retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits before May 1997, you likely get your payment on the third of each month. This group does not follow the birth-date-based schedule.
Additionally, individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are paid on the first of each month, regardless of birth date. This program is separate and designed for low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
If you receive both SSI and other SSA benefits, here’s how it usually works:
- SSI is paid on the 1st
- Retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits are paid on the 3rd
Early Payment
Because June 1, 2025 falls on a Sunday, the SSA will issue SSI payments for June early—on Friday, May 30. This ensures recipients have access to their funds before the weekend.
It’s common for the SSA to move payment dates forward when the scheduled day lands on a weekend or holiday.
Averages
So how much do people actually receive from Social Security? The average benefit varies depending on the type of payment.
Here’s a look at the current monthly averages:
| Benefit Type | Average Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Retirement | $1,999.97 |
| SSDI (Disabled Workers) | $1,581.88 |
| Survivor Benefits | $1,565.52 |
| SSI | $717.87 |
| Max Retirement (age 70) | $5,108.00 |
Retired workers make up the largest group of Social Security beneficiaries, and they typically receive around $2,000 per month. Those receiving disability or survivor benefits earn slightly less on average, while SSI offers more limited support aimed at the most financially vulnerable.
Knowing your payment date and average benefit amount can help you plan ahead and avoid confusion, especially with all the rumors that occasionally spread online. Stick to SSA’s official resources or consult their 2025 payment calendar PDF to stay up to date with any changes to your payment schedule.
FAQs
Who gets paid on May 28?
Those born between the 21st and 31st of any month.
When is SSI paid in June?
It will be paid early on Friday, May 30.
What’s the average retirement check?
About $1,999.97 per month for retirees.
Who gets paid on the 3rd of each month?
People who started benefits before May 1997.
Where to find the full 2025 schedule?
Check SSA’s official payment calendar online.
