Being a financial help for millions of citizens, many depend on their Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in order to meet their basic needs and keep them financially afloat. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will be sending SSI recipients on average $1,450; however, this month, citizens will see payments coming in rather differently since there is a quirk in the calendar. Citizens need to see if they qualify for this payment and understand the payment schedule, so they understand when to expect this SSI payment from the SSA.
Handling late payments
For most citizens, the biggest fear is whether payment will come on time or not. Delays in payments can be met with frustration and fury. Thankfully, the SSA outlines the protocol for handling missed payments. For payments that did not arrive, citizens should:
- Wait three business days: A recommendation by the SSA is that citizens wait for three days before contacting SSA offices directly about late or missed payments.
- Check with their financial institutions: Payment delays can be the result of bank-related delays, and it is important for citizens to check with their financial institutions first before taking action.
- Contact the SSA with details of the delay: A replacement order can be issued if necessary, however, this step is crucial for missed payments or late payments so the agency can investigate further.
99% of all Social Security recipients receive their payments electronically, making the chances of payment delays rather rare. However, if a delay does happen, it could be because the deposit information is not up to date with the SSA.
When it comes to SSI payments, thus far, it tends to follow a set schedule, and many citizens can depend on this form of support. There are times when there may be slight schedule changes, and one such change can be seen by citizens this May.
Qualifying criteria for the $1,450 Average SSI Payment
When it comes to the SSI, this financial aid is made to help disabled citizens, aged citizens, and the blind who have limited income or access to resources. There are only a few qualifying criteria that were set by the SSA for eligible beneficiaries, such as:
- Having limited income and financial resources
- Being 65 years or older, or having a disability, or dealing with blindness
- Residing in one of the 50 states, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the District of Columbia
- Being a U.S. citizen or falling within certain categories of noncitizens
At present, the monthly SSI payment is on average $1,450, however, the amount that each citizen may receive differs. SSI payments are based on a citizen’s personal income and living situation. The SSI maximum payment is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 per month for couples.
Beneficiaries receiving both SSI and Social Security benefits will see different amounts in their bank accounts as well, and they need to stay abreast of the Social Security benefit schedule, too, as the dual benefits affect payment dates. Knowing Social Security secrets can also help considerably, especially when it comes to knowing who can receive benefits and how citizens can make their benefits work for them.
Understanding May’s payment schedule
The Social Security payment schedule for May will see Social Security benefits being disbursed according to recipients’ birthdate:
- Citizens born between May 1 and May 10 will receive payments on the second Wednesday of the month.
- Citizens born between May 11 and May 20 will receive payments on the third Wednesday of the month.
- Citizens born after May 20 will receive payments on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
In cases where citizens started receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997, they receive both SSI and Social Security payments on different days. Social Security benefits are paid on the 3rd of the month, and SSI benefits are paid on the 1st of the month.
The way that SSI recipients will receive payments this month is interesting. Beneficiaries saw one payment on May 1; however, the second payment will be received on May 30 to cover the benefit for June, as June 1 falls on a weekend. Therefore, citizens can anticipate two SSI payments hitting their bank accounts this month. Once payment dates are noted, citizens must consider two Social Security mistakes that could have been avoided in May 2025.
