Are you getting up to $2,000 from Social Security this week? See who qualifies for Wednesday's big payout!
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If you’re one of the millions of Americans who rely on Social Security to help cover your monthly expenses, you might be in for a welcome boost this week.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is rolling out its latest round of payments, and for many, that means an average check of nearly $2,000 landing in your bank account on Wednesday, May 28.
But who exactly is getting paid, how does the schedule work, and what should you know about your benefits?
Who’s Getting Paid on Wednesday, May 28?
Social Security isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. In fact, the SSA serves about 70 million Americans through retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and survivor benefits.
To keep things organized (and avoid a monthly stampede at the bank), the SSA staggers payments across three Wednesdays each month, based on your birthday.
Here’s how it works for May 2025:

What If You Don’t Get Paid on a Wednesday?
Not everyone follows the Wednesday schedule.
If you started receiving Social Security retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits before May 1997, you’re part of a special group that gets paid on the third of each month—no matter when your birthday is.
And then there’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a separate program for low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
SSI payments usually arrive on the first of each month.
But here’s a twist for June: since June 1 falls on a Sunday, SSI payments will be sent out early, on Friday, May 30. (The SSA always makes sure you get your money before the weekend if the first lands on a non-business day.)
Also read: Up to $5,108 in benefits? What to expect from this week’s Social Security payouts
If you receive both SSI and another Social Security benefit, you’ll typically get your SSI on the first and your other benefit on the third.
How Much Are People Getting?
Let’s talk numbers—because we know that’s what really matters when you’re budgeting for groceries, prescriptions, and maybe a little something fun.
Of course, your actual payment depends on your work history, when you started claiming benefits, and a few other factors.
If you’re not sure how your benefit was calculated, the SSA’s website has a handy estimator tool, or you can call your local office for a personalized explanation.
And if you’re new to Social Security, don’t worry—your first payment might take a little longer to process, but after that, you’ll fall into the regular monthly rhythm.
Tips for Managing Your Social Security Payments
Source: CBS Mornings / Youtube.
What If Your Payment Is Late?
If your payment doesn’t show up when expected, don’t panic. Sometimes banks take an extra day to process deposits, especially around holidays.
If it’s been more than three business days, contact the SSA or your bank to track it down.
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Are you expecting a payment this Wednesday? How do you manage your Social Security income? Do you have tips for stretching your check or making the most of your benefits? Share your thoughts, questions, and advice in the comments below!
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is rolling out its latest round of payments, and for many, that means an average check of nearly $2,000 landing in your bank account on Wednesday, May 28.
But who exactly is getting paid, how does the schedule work, and what should you know about your benefits?
Who’s Getting Paid on Wednesday, May 28?
Social Security isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. In fact, the SSA serves about 70 million Americans through retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and survivor benefits.
To keep things organized (and avoid a monthly stampede at the bank), the SSA staggers payments across three Wednesdays each month, based on your birthday.
Here’s how it works for May 2025:
- Born on the 1st–10th: You got your payment on Wednesday, May 14.
- Born on the 11th–20th: Your check arrived on Wednesday, May 21.
- Born on the 21st–31st: This is your week! Your payment is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28.

Millions of Americans receiving Social Security benefits—including retirement, disability, and survivor payments—will get their latest payments on Wednesday, May 28, if their birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of the month. Image source: CBS Chicago / Youtube.
What If You Don’t Get Paid on a Wednesday?
Not everyone follows the Wednesday schedule.
If you started receiving Social Security retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits before May 1997, you’re part of a special group that gets paid on the third of each month—no matter when your birthday is.
And then there’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a separate program for low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
SSI payments usually arrive on the first of each month.
But here’s a twist for June: since June 1 falls on a Sunday, SSI payments will be sent out early, on Friday, May 30. (The SSA always makes sure you get your money before the weekend if the first lands on a non-business day.)
Also read: Up to $5,108 in benefits? What to expect from this week’s Social Security payouts
If you receive both SSI and another Social Security benefit, you’ll typically get your SSI on the first and your other benefit on the third.
How Much Are People Getting?
Let’s talk numbers—because we know that’s what really matters when you’re budgeting for groceries, prescriptions, and maybe a little something fun.
- Retired Workers: The average monthly payment is $1,999.97. (Let’s just call it $2,000 for simplicity’s sake.) The maximum possible benefit for those who delayed retirement and maximized their earnings is a whopping $5,108 per month.
- Disabled Workers (SSDI): The average check is $1,581.88.
- Survivor Benefits: Recipients get an average of $1,565.52 each month.
- SSI Recipients: The average monthly payment is $717.87.
Of course, your actual payment depends on your work history, when you started claiming benefits, and a few other factors.
If you’re not sure how your benefit was calculated, the SSA’s website has a handy estimator tool, or you can call your local office for a personalized explanation.
And if you’re new to Social Security, don’t worry—your first payment might take a little longer to process, but after that, you’ll fall into the regular monthly rhythm.
Tips for Managing Your Social Security Payments
- Set Up Direct Deposit: It’s the fastest, safest way to get your money. No more waiting for the mail or worrying about lost checks.
- Mark Your Calendar: Whether you’re paid on the first, third, or a Wednesday, jot it down or set a reminder on your phone.
- Watch for Early Payments: If your payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the SSA will send your money early.
- Check the SSA Calendar: The SSA publishes a full payment schedule each year. You can find the 2025 calendar here or request a paper copy from your local office.
Source: CBS Mornings / Youtube.
What If Your Payment Is Late?
If your payment doesn’t show up when expected, don’t panic. Sometimes banks take an extra day to process deposits, especially around holidays.
If it’s been more than three business days, contact the SSA or your bank to track it down.
You might like: Trump’s “big, beautiful” budget: What it means for taxes, seniors, and immigration
Key Takeaways
- Millions of Americans receiving Social Security benefits—including retirement, disability, and survivor payments—will get their latest payments on Wednesday, 28 May, if their birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of the month.
- Those who started receiving benefits before May 1997 are generally paid on the 3rd of each month, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients usually get their money on the first; however, next month’s SSI payments will be paid early, on Friday, 30 May, due to the first of June falling on a Sunday.
- The average monthly payment stands at just under US$2,000 for retired workers, while disabled and survivor benefit recipients receive around US$1,582 and US$1,566 per month respectively, and SSI beneficiaries are paid about US$718 on average.
- Payment dates are based on the recipient’s birth date or benefit start date, and the Social Security Administration provides a detailed annual payment calendar to help beneficiaries track their scheduled payments.
Are you expecting a payment this Wednesday? How do you manage your Social Security income? Do you have tips for stretching your check or making the most of your benefits? Share your thoughts, questions, and advice in the comments below!