Social Security recipients may notice a slight delay in their payments this month due to a quirk in the May calendar. Typically, Social Security payments are issued on Wednesdays. However, because May 1st fell on a Thursday this year, the usual schedule is shifted.
Individuals whose birth date falls between the 1st and 10th of the month will receive their payments on the second Wednesday, which is May 14th. Those born between the 11th and 20th will be paid on the third Wednesday, May 21st. Finally, recipients with birthdays between the 21st and 31st will receive their benefits on the fourth Wednesday, May 28th. This represents the latest possible arrival date for Social Security checks in any given month.
It’s important to note that this delay is purely due to the calendar alignment and does not indicate any issues with the Social Security Administration’s ability to distribute payments.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Recipients See Two Payments
Interestingly, recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive two payments in May. They will receive their regular May payment on May 1st and an early June payment on May 30th. This is because June 1st falls on a weekend, prompting the SSA to issue the June payment on the last business day of May.
What to Do if Your Payment is Late
The Social Security Administration advises that if your payment does not arrive on the scheduled date, you should allow up to three additional mailing days before contacting them. You can reach the SSA through their website, by calling their toll-free number, or by visiting your local Social Security office.
While this May’s schedule is a bit unusual, regular Social Security payment schedules will resume in June.
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