A segment of Social Security recipients will experience a longer-than-usual wait between payments this spring, with their next check not arriving until early June. This delay stems from the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) fixed payment schedule and the way weekends affect disbursement dates.
Who Is Affected?
Beneficiaries who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997—often referred to as “Group 1” recipients—are scheduled to receive their payments on the 3rd of each month. However, when the 3rd falls on a weekend, the SSA issues payments on the preceding business day. In May 2025, the 3rd falls on a Saturday, so payments were disbursed on Friday, May 2. Consequently, these beneficiaries will not receive their next payment until Monday, June 3, resulting in a 32-day gap between payments.
This extended interval is a result of the SSA’s longstanding policy to avoid issuing payments on weekends or federal holidays. While the payment schedule remains consistent, such calendar shifts can lead to longer waits between disbursements for certain groups.
Understanding the Payment Schedule
The SSA distributes benefits based on the beneficiary’s birth date and the date they began receiving benefits:
- Group 1: Beneficiaries who started receiving benefits before May 1997 receive payments on the 3rd of each month.
- Group 2: Those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th receive payments on the second Wednesday of each month.
- Group 3: Birthdays between the 11th and 20th receive payments on the third Wednesday.
- Group 4: Birthdays between the 21st and 31st receive payments on the fourth Wednesday.
This staggered schedule helps manage the distribution process and ensures the SSA can efficiently process payments.
Planning Ahead
Beneficiaries affected by this extended gap are encouraged to plan their finances accordingly. While the SSA’s schedule is predictable, variations due to weekends and holidays can impact the timing of payments.
For those who rely heavily on their monthly benefits, it’s advisable to:
- Budget Accordingly: Anticipate longer intervals between payments during months when the 3rd falls on a weekend.
- Set Up Direct Deposit: Ensure timely receipt of funds by enrolling in direct deposit, which is faster and more secure than mailed checks.
- Monitor Payment Dates: Regularly check the SSA’s official payment schedule to stay informed about upcoming payment dates.