Retirees to Receive Increased Payments in May 2025
Millions of Social Security beneficiaries can expect slightly larger checks in May 2025, with the next wave of payments scheduled to be disbursed on Tuesday, May 14. This increase is part of the 2024 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which provided a 3.2% boost to monthly benefits beginning in January.
The May 14 payments will go out to a specific group of recipients those who began receiving Social Security after May 1997 and were born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
Who Gets Paid on May 14?
Social Security payments are sent out in three waves each month, based on the beneficiary’s birth date and the date they began receiving benefits:
- May 8: Those born between the 1st and 10th who started receiving benefits before May 1997
- May 14: Those born between the 1st and 10th who began benefits after May 1997
- May 21: Those born between the 11th and 20th
- May 28: Those born between the 21st and 31st
The May 14 group falls under the second wave and includes many retirees, as well as disabled workers and survivors receiving benefits under the Social Security program.
How Much Will the Payments Be?
The average Social Security check varies depending on the type of beneficiary. With the 3.2% COLA increase applied, here’s what beneficiaries can expect in 2025:
- Retired workers: Average monthly check is $1,907
- Couples (both receiving benefits): Average is $3,303
- Disabled workers: Average monthly check is $1,537
- Widowed mother with two children: Average is $3,653
- Aged widow(er) alone: Average check is $1,773
These figures represent averages. Actual payments depend on an individual’s earnings history, age at retirement, and other personal factors.
What Is the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)?
Each year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) applies a cost-of-living adjustment to benefits to ensure that inflation doesn’t erode purchasing power. The 2024 COLA of 3.2% was determined based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) measured by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This year’s COLA is smaller than the 8.7% increase in 2023, which was one of the highest in four decades due to soaring inflation. However, it still represents a meaningful increase in monthly income for beneficiaries.
Payment Schedule for the Rest of May
If you’re unsure about when you’ll receive your May 2025 Social Security payment, here’s a simple breakdown:
- May 3: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and those who began receiving benefits before May 1997
- May 8: Recipients born between the 1st and 10th (pre-May 1997)
- May 14: Recipients born between the 1st and 10th (post-May 1997)
- May 21: Recipients born between the 11th and 20th
- May 28: Recipients born between the 21st and 31st
Beneficiaries who are unsure about their payment dates or amounts can check their personalized information through their my Social Security account.
How to Check Your Social Security Payment
To verify the date and amount of your next Social Security payment:
- Create or log into your my Social Security account at the SSA’s website.
- Navigate to the “Benefits & Payment Details” section.
- Check your scheduled payment date and amount.
Having an account also allows you to update direct deposit information, request replacement documents, and track your benefits history.
Tips for Managing Your Social Security Payments
With cost-of-living adjustments boosting monthly income, here are a few tips to make the most of your Social Security benefits:
- Budget wisely: Use the COLA increase to keep pace with inflation, not overspend.
- Consider automatic bill pay: This can help ensure utilities, rent, and other essentials are paid on time.
- Use direct deposit: It’s faster and more secure than paper checks.
- Review your statements annually: Make sure there are no errors or issues.
Looking Ahead to Future COLA Increases
The COLA for 2025 has not yet been determined, but economic analysts suggest it may be lower than 2024’s 3.2% due to cooling inflation. The official figure is typically announced in October, based on CPI-W data from the third quarter of the year.
Despite potential future reductions in the COLA, Social Security remains a vital financial support for over 66 million Americans, including retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors of deceased workers.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Payment
If your scheduled Social Security payment hasn’t arrived:
- Wait three business days past the scheduled payment date.
- Contact the Social Security Administration for assistance.
- Ensure your banking information and mailing address are up to date.
Final Thoughts
The May 14 Social Security payments reflect the ongoing commitment of the SSA to adjust benefits in line with economic conditions. While the 3.2% COLA for 2024 was modest compared to last year’s, it still provides critical support to millions of Americans.
Whether you’re receiving benefits now or planning for retirement, staying informed about payment schedules and benefit changes is essential for financial stability.