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The federal Social Security program is currently experiencing significant changes, prompting concern among the nearly 69 million beneficiaries who depend on it for their monthly payments.
The newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and supported by the Trump administration, is keenly focused on Social Security as it aims to reduce federal expenditures. This initiative has resulted in layoffs, closures of various offices, a reimagined customer service model, and enhanced fraud investigations.
Approximately 7.4 million individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are affected, particularly those who are disabled or lack sufficient resources. Notably, about half of SSI recipients also receive Social Security benefits.
Here are the key updates regarding Social Security benefits for this year.
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When will my May 2025 Social Security payment arrive?
The Social Security Administration has posted their annual payment calendars for 2025 and 2026 online, allowing beneficiaries to plan accordingly.
The distribution of regular retirement benefits continues according to the SSA’s established schedule:
Friday, May 2: Recipients who began receiving benefits before May 1997.
Wednesday, May 14: Beneficiaries with birth dates from the 1st to the 10th of the month.
Wednesday, May 21: Birth dates from the 11th to the 20th of the month.
Wednesday, May 28: Birth dates from the 21st to the 31st of the month.
Understanding SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed to provide financial assistance to older adults, individuals with disabilities, or those with limited income or resources. Children with qualifying disabilities may also qualify for SSI, as stated on the SSA website.
Typically, qualified adults have monthly earnings below $2,019.
To apply for SSI, eligible individuals can initiate the process online, visit their local Social Security office, or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.
SSI Payment Dates for 2025
Beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income will receive two payments in May: the first on May 1 (for that month) and the second on May 30 (for June). If the first of the month coincides with a federal holiday or weekend, beneficiaries will receive payments in advance; for example, June 1 is a Sunday.
The Social Security Administration advises recipients to wait for three additional mailing days before reaching out if they do not receive their payments on the scheduled date; nearly all payments are now electronically processed, resulting in 99% being delivered on time.
Remaining payment dates for SSI benefits in 2025, as outlined by the SSA calendar, include:
Thursday, May 1, 2025 (Payment for May 2025)
Friday, May 30, 2025 (Payment for June 2025)
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (Payment for July 2025)
Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 (Payment for August 2025)
Friday, Aug. 30, 2025 (Payment for September 2025)
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 (Payment for October 2025)
Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (Payment for November 2025)
Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (Payment for December 2025)
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (Payment for January 2026)
What is the full retirement age for Social Security in 2025?
The full retirement age for beneficiaries has progressively increased, now rising by two months for each subsequent birth year. For instance, individuals born in 1958 will reach their full retirement age at 66 years and 8 months, whereas those born in 1959 will achieve it at 66 years and 10 months.
The SSA indicates that individuals born between May 2, 1958, and February 28, 1959, will reach full retirement age in 2025. For those born in 1960 and later, this age will be set at 67.
Can those under retirement age access their benefits now?
Yes, individuals can receive benefits as early as age 62; however, this comes with reduced payments. Conversely, those who wait until age 70 to claim their benefits can receive higher monthly amounts.
Additional modifications to Social Security this year involve a lower cost-of-living adjustment of 2.5%, a rise in the maximum taxable income from $168,000 to $176,100, and the introduction of appointment-only services at Social Security offices across the country.
What is the maximum Social Security benefit for 2025?
In 2024, the highest benefit for individuals retiring at full retirement age was reported at $3,822 monthly. Following inflation adjustments, this maximum is anticipated to rise to $4,018 monthly in 2025, leading to an annual total exceeding $48,000.
— USA TODAY contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Social Security May 2025 payments coming soon. See when
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