The Social Security Administration (SSA) will distribute the last round of May payments this Wednesday, May 27, targeting beneficiaries with birthdays falling between the 21st and 31st of the month. This disbursement follows earlier payments made to those born from the 1st through the 20th, adhering to the standard monthly schedule for the program.
As of April 2026, approximately 75.5 million individuals were receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both. In that month alone, the SSA disbursed $137.4 billion in monthly benefits. These figures underscore the scale of the program, which remains a critical component of retirement income for millions of Americans.
Looking ahead, June payments will begin with SSI benefits scheduled for Monday, June 1. SSI is designed for individuals with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled. Regular Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits will follow on June 3, June 10, June 17, and June 24, depending on the recipient's birth date and eligibility category.
For most beneficiaries who began receiving benefits after May 1997, payment dates are determined by the recipient's birth date: those born on the 1st through 10th receive payments on the second Wednesday of the month; those born on the 11th through 20th on the third Wednesday; and those born on the 21st through 31st on the fourth Wednesday. Spousal or survivor benefits follow the primary worker's birthday schedule, which may differ from the beneficiary's own birth date.
Certain groups are exempt from this Wednesday-based schedule. Recipients who started receiving Social Security before May 1997, those who receive both Social Security and SSI, individuals living overseas, or those enrolled in certain Medicare savings programs typically receive payments on the 1st and 3rd of each month. If the regular payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the SSA notes that payments are made on the preceding business day.
The federal SSI payment for 2026 is set at $994 per month for a single person and $1,491 for couples, though actual amounts can vary based on income, state of residence, and any state supplements. For example, Mississippi does not provide a state SSI supplement, while Michigan handles some supplement types through Social Security.
Both Social Security and SSI benefits received a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. According to the SSA's latest data, the average retired-worker benefit was $2,071 in January after the COLA increase, and by April it had risen to $2,081.16.
Beneficiaries should be aware of potential payment delays this week. The SSA advises that if an electronic payment is not received on the expected date, recipients should first contact their bank, as financial institutions may take time to post deposits. If the issue persists, missing, late, or stolen payments can be reported directly to Social Security.
In summary, those with late-month birthdays can expect their May payment on May 27. SSI recipients will see their June payment on June 1. All other beneficiaries should check the schedule based on their benefit type and birth date to ensure timely receipt of funds.
