Millions of Americans depend on Social Security benefits to help cover essential living expenses. But this May, some recipients may notice their payments arriving a bit later than usual. While this might cause anxiety for those who rely on timely deposits, the explanation is relatively straightforward — and it has nothing to do with government cutbacks or technical issues.
What’s Causing the Delay?
The timing of this month’s delay is tied to Memorial Day, a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. In 2025, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 26. Since government offices and banks are closed on federal holidays, scheduled Social Security payments that would typically fall on or around that date are affected.
When a payment date lands on a weekend or holiday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues the payment on the closest preceding business day. This shift can occasionally make it seem as though payments are “late,” when in fact they’re simply adjusted around the holiday schedule.
Understanding the Payment Schedule
To understand why this delay occurs, it’s helpful to review how the SSA distributes payments.
Retirement and SSDI Payments
Most Social Security retirement and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments are distributed based on the recipient’s birth date:
- If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th of the month, your payment is issued on the second Wednesday of the month.
- If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, your payment comes on the third Wednesday.
- If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st, your payment is sent on the fourth Wednesday.
In May 2025, those whose birth dates fall between the 21st and 31st are scheduled to receive their payments on Wednesday, May 28. That date remains unaffected by the holiday. However, for recipients in other groups particularly those who also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) the timing might feel slightly off due to the overlap with the holiday and end-of-month banking processes.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI benefits are issued on the first of each month. However, when the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment is made on the last business day before the first.
In this case, June 1, 2025, falls on a Sunday. Therefore, SSI payments for June will be sent on Friday, May 30. That means recipients will receive both their May and June payments during the same calendar month a situation that can cause confusion for budgeting.
Other Factors That Can Affect Timing
Even when the SSA releases payments on time, the speed at which funds are made available depends on your financial institution. While direct deposit is generally fast and reliable, some banks may delay posting deposits over weekends or holidays.
Additionally, if you’ve recently changed your banking details or address, your payment could take longer to process. The SSA encourages recipients to keep their personal information up to date to avoid payment issues.
How to Check Your Payment Status
The SSA provides an online portal called my Social Security, where beneficiaries can track their payments, check scheduled dates, and update banking or mailing information. It’s a useful tool for monitoring your account and ensuring everything is in order, especially around holiday periods.
For those without online access, the SSA can be reached by phone at 1-800-772-1213. Be aware that call volumes may be higher than normal near the end of the month or around holidays, which could result in longer wait times.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
If your payment hasn’t arrived on the expected date, the SSA advises waiting at least three mailing days before taking further action. In most cases, delays are caused by processing issues at banks or post offices, especially during holiday weekends.
If after three days your payment still hasn’t appeared, contact your bank or financial institution first. If they confirm the payment hasn’t arrived, you should then call the SSA to report the issue and request a trace. While rare, the SSA can reissue a payment if it was lost or misdirected.
Planning Ahead for Future Holidays
This May’s delayed payments serve as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about the Social Security payment calendar. Knowing how and when holidays affect disbursements can help you plan your finances more effectively.
To avoid surprises, consider setting up alerts with your bank to notify you when deposits hit your account. You can also print out or bookmark the SSA’s annual payment schedule, which lists all disbursement dates and potential holiday impacts.
Final Thoughts
If your Social Security payment seems late this May, don’t panic. The slight delay is the result of a federal holiday and standard processing procedures not a sign of any deeper problem. Staying informed, checking your account regularly, and planning for holiday shifts can help ensure you’re always prepared.
For the millions who rely on Social Security, peace of mind starts with understanding how and when your benefits arrive.