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Social Security Payments May 2026: Full Payment Schedule and Deposit Dates

Social Security payments in May 2026 follow a standard, predictable schedule, with four separate deposit dates covering SSI, SSDI, and retirement beneficiaries. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will distribute payments on Friday, May 1, 2026; Wednesday, May 13, 2026; Wednesday, May 20, 2026; and Wednesday, May 27, 2026. All May 2026 payments already include the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) that took effect on January 1, 2026.

May 2026 marks a return to full calendar stability after a series of early SSI payments in the first quarter of 2026. There are no early payments, no skipped payments, and no holiday delays in May. Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25 — after all four payment dates.

This article covers the complete Social Security payment schedule for May 2026 by recipient group, exact deposit amounts, Memorial Day impact, the facts behind extra payment rumors, the “5-Payday” income risk for working SSDI and SSI recipients, and what to do if your payment does not arrive.

Table of Contents

May 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule at a Glance

The SSA distributes Social Security payments in May 2026 across four dates, determined by recipient type and date of birth. This schedule applies to retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and survivor benefits.

Recipient GroupMay 2026 Payment DateDay of Week
SSI RecipientsFriday, May 1, 2026Friday
Pre-May 1997 Beneficiaries and Dual SSI/SSDI RecipientsFriday, May 1, 2026Friday (May 3 falls on Sunday)
Birthdays: 1st – 10th of any monthWednesday, May 13, 2026Wednesday (2nd Wednesday)
Birthdays: 11th – 20th of any monthWednesday, May 20, 2026Wednesday (3rd Wednesday)
Birthdays: 21st – 31st of any monthWednesday, May 27, 2026Wednesday (4th Wednesday)
Social Security Payments May 2026 Calendar.
Social Security Payments May 2026 Calendar.

Note on May 1, 2026 — “Heavy Friday” Bank Processing: Both SSI recipients and pre-May 1997 beneficiaries receive payment on Friday, May 1, 2026. Pre-May 1997 recipients are ordinarily paid on the 3rd of each month. Because May 3 falls on a Sunday, the SSA moves that payment to the preceding business day — Friday, May 1. This means a larger-than-usual volume of direct deposits will process simultaneously. Some banks may take longer to post funds on this date.

How the SSA Birthdate Payment System Works

The SSA implemented its birthdate-based payment schedule in May 1997. The day of the month a beneficiary was born — not the year — determines which Wednesday they receive payment. A retiree born on April 6 receives payment on the second Wednesday of each month (Wednesday, May 13, 2026).

A disabled worker born on October 28 receives payment on the fourth Wednesday (Wednesday, May 27, 2026). This schedule applies uniformly to retirement benefits, SSDI, and survivor benefits for anyone who became entitled to Social Security after April 30, 1997.

SSI Payment Date May 2026

When Will SSI Be Deposited in May 2026?

SSI payments in May 2026 will be deposited on Friday, May 1, 2026. Because May 1 falls on a standard business day, the SSA issues Supplemental Security Income on the first of the month as scheduled.

May 2026 is a standard SSI payment month. The SSA does not issue any early payment for May, and there is no skipped payment.

Why May 2026 Is Different From January, February, and March 2026

During the first quarter of 2026, SSI recipients experienced a series of payment schedule adjustments. The SSA issued the February 2026 SSI payment on Friday, January 30, 2026, because February 1 fell on a Sunday. The March 2026 SSI payment was issued on Friday, February 27, 2026, because March 1 also fell on a Sunday.

This pattern caused widespread confusion. Many recipients received two SSI deposits within a short window — one in late January and one in early April — and mistook the pattern for a bonus or double payment. May 2026 ends this cycle.

The SSI payment for May issues on Friday, May 1, 2026, as a completely standard disbursement. No early payment occurred for May, and no payment was skipped. Recipients received their April 2026 SSI payment on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and will receive their May 2026 SSI payment on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Is There a Double SSI Payment in May 2026?

No. There is no double, early, or extra SSI payment in May 2026. The SSA only issues SSI early when the first of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday. May 1, 2026, is a Friday — a standard business day — so no early advance payment is triggered.

The months in 2026 that produced early SSI payments were January (paid December 31, 2025), February (paid January 30, 2026), March (paid February 27, 2026), August (paid July 31, 2026), and November (paid October 30, 2026). May is not among them.

Recipients who saw what appeared to be two SSI payments in late February and early April received their standard March and April payments. The May payment issues separately on Friday, May 1, 2026.

How Much Is the SSI Payment in May 2026?

The maximum federal SSI payment in May 2026 is $994 per month for an eligible individual and $1,491 per month for an eligible couple. These amounts reflect the 2.8% COLA that took effect on January 1, 2026.

SSI Recipient Category2025 Monthly Amount2026 Monthly AmountMonthly Increase
Individual$967$994+$27
Couple$1,450$1,491+$41
Essential Person$484$498+$14

Actual SSI payments vary based on countable income, living arrangements, and state supplemental programs. The figures above represent the federal SSI maximum. Many states pay an additional supplemental amount on top of the federal benefit.

SSDI Payment Dates May 2026

When Will SSDI Payments Be Deposited in May 2026?

SSDI payments in May 2026 will be deposited on Friday, May 1, Wednesday, May 13, Wednesday, May 20, or Wednesday, May 27, 2026, depending on when the beneficiary first became entitled to benefits and their date of birth.

  • Friday, May 1, 2026 — Recipients who became entitled to SSDI before May 1997, or who receive both SSI and SSDI simultaneously.
  • Wednesday, May 13, 2026 — SSDI recipients born on the 1st through the 10th of any month.
  • Wednesday, May 20, 2026 — SSDI recipients born on the 11th through the 20th of any month.
  • Wednesday, May 27, 2026 — SSDI recipients born on the 21st through the 31st of any month.

How Much Will SSDI Recipients Receive in May 2026?

The average SSDI payment in May 2026 is $1,630 per month, after the 2.8% COLA applied in January 2026.

SSDI Benefit Category2025 Monthly Amount2026 Monthly AmountMonthly Increase
Average Disabled Worker$1,586$1,630+$44
Maximum SSDI (at Full Retirement Age)$4,018$4,152+$134

SSDI payments already reflect the 2026 COLA. No additional mid-year increase is scheduled for May.

The 2026 Substantial Gainful Activity Limit for SSDI Recipients

The SSA uses the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold to determine whether a disabled individual is working at a level that may disqualify them from SSDI benefits. For 2026, the SGA limit is $1,690 per month for non-blind SSDI recipients and $2,800 per month for blind recipients. If a recipient earns above this amount in any given month, the SSA may consider them no longer disabled under program rules.

Social Security Retirement Benefit Payment Dates May 2026

When Will Retirees Get Paid in May 2026?

Retired workers receive their May 2026 Social Security payments on Wednesday, May 13, Wednesday, May 20, or Wednesday, May 27, 2026, depending on their date of birth. Retirees who began receiving benefits before May 1997 are paid on Friday, May 1, 2026.

The birth date used to determine the payment schedule is the beneficiary’s own birth date — not a spouse’s or dependent’s. A retired worker born on January 9 receives payment on Wednesday, May 13. A retired worker born on June 17 receives payment on Wednesday, May 20. A retired worker born on December 30 receives payment on Wednesday, May 27.

Average and Maximum Social Security Retirement Benefit in May 2026

The average Social Security retirement benefit in May 2026 is $2,071 per month for a retired worker. This reflects the 2.8% COLA applied beginning January 2026.

Retirement Benefit Category2025 Monthly Amount2026 Monthly AmountMonthly Increase
Average Retired Worker$2,015$2,071+$56
Maximum Benefit at Full Retirement Age$4,018$4,152+$134
Maximum Benefit at Age 70$4,918$5,181+$263

Net May 2026 Check After Medicare Part B Deduction

Most Social Security retirement beneficiaries have the Medicare Part B premium deducted automatically from their monthly benefit. The standard Medicare Part B premium for 2026 is $202.90 per month, up $17.90 from the 2025 premium of $185.00.

ItemMonthly Amount
2026 COLA Increase (2.8%)+$56.00
Medicare Part B Premium Increase−$17.90
Net Monthly Increase for Average Retiree+$38.10

Recipients subject to Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharges pay higher Part B premiums and see a smaller net gain.

The “Post-Tax” IRMAA Adjustment in May 2026

April 15, 2026, was the federal income tax filing deadline for the 2025 tax year. The SSA uses the modified adjusted gross income from two years prior to set Medicare IRMAA surcharges. For 2026, IRMAA is calculated from 2024 tax returns. Recipients who filed amended returns or had a life-changing event — such as retirement, divorce, or loss of income — may request a revised IRMAA determination from the SSA using Form SSA-44. If a downward revision is approved, May 2026 may reflect a lower Medicare premium deduction compared to prior months.

Will Memorial Day Delay Social Security Payments in May 2026?

No. Memorial Day does not delay any Social Security or SSI payments in May 2026. Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25, 2026 — three days after the last scheduled payment date of Wednesday, May 27.

All four May 2026 Social Security payment dates — Friday, May 1, Wednesday, May 13, Wednesday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 27 — fall before or after Memorial Day without conflict. No payment is scheduled on Monday, May 25. The SSA does not reschedule any May 2026 payment due to this holiday.

Banks and federal offices are closed on Memorial Day, but this closure has no impact on ACH direct deposit processing for May 27 recipients. The Wednesday, May 27 payment processes through normal ACH settlement channels before the Monday holiday.

Is Social Security Sending Extra or Bonus Payments in May 2026?

No Bonus Checks — The Facts for May 2026

The SSA has not authorized any bonus, extra, or supplemental Social Security payments for May 2026. Widely circulated online claims about additional May checks are not confirmed by the Social Security Administration.

The three most common sources of confusion are:

  • Early SSI payments earlier in 2026. The pattern of early SSI deposits in January through March 2026 led some recipients to expect that extra payments would continue. They do not. May SSI issues normally occur on Friday, May 1.
  • Dual beneficiary split deposits. Recipients who receive both SSI and SSDI or retirement benefits receive two separate deposits in May — one on Friday, May 1 (SSI) and one on their birthdate, Wednesday. This is a standard payment pattern, not an extra payment.
  • Social Security Fairness Act retroactive adjustments. Some public-sector retirees affected by the elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) may receive a lump-sum retroactive adjustment deposit in 2026. If an unexpected SSA deposit appears in May, verify its source through the My Social Security portal at ssa.gov before assuming it is an error or unauthorized transfer.

Social Security Fairness Act — Could It Affect Your May 2026 Payment?

The Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA), signed into law on January 5, 2025, eliminated the WEP and GPO for public-sector employees, including teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other government workers who received pensions from employment not covered by Social Security payroll taxes.

The SSA began processing revised benefit amounts and retroactive lump-sum payments for affected recipients in early 2025. As of Q2 2026, some recipients who filed late claims or required additional verification may still be receiving their retroactive adjustments. If you are a public-sector retiree who has not yet received a corrected monthly benefit or retroactive payment, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or check your My Social Security account at ssa.gov.

A retroactive SSFA payment is taxable income in the year it is received. Recipients who receive a lump sum in May 2026 should retain documentation for their 2026 federal income tax filing.

The “5-Payday” Income Warning for SSDI and SSI Recipients in May 2026

H4: Why May 2026 Presents an Income Risk for Working Benefit Recipients

May 2026 contains five Fridays — May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22, and May 29 — which creates a specific financial risk for SSDI and SSI recipients who work part-time and are paid weekly or bi-weekly. Workers paid on a weekly or every-two-week basis may receive five paychecks in May instead of the usual four, resulting in a higher-than-normal monthly income total even if their hours did not increase.

For SSDI recipients, earning above the 2026 SGA limit of $1,690 per month can trigger a benefits review. For SSI recipients, monthly earned income above program thresholds reduces the benefit payment dollar-for-dollar after applicable exclusions.

The table below shows how a standard part-time work schedule can exceed the SSDI SGA limit in a five-payday month:

Hourly WageWeekly HoursStandard 4-Week IncomeMay 2026 Five-Week IncomeExceeds SGA Limit?
$15.0025 hours$1,500$1,875Yes — over by $185
$18.0020 hours$1,440$1,800Yes — over by $110
$20.0018 hours$1,440$1,800Yes — over by $110
$12.0028 hours$1,344$1,680No — under by $10

How to Protect Your Benefits During a Five-Payday Month

SSDI and SSI recipients with earned income in May 2026 can take the following steps to avoid an unintended SGA exceedance:

  1. Calculate your May gross earnings. Multiply your weekly gross pay by five if you are paid weekly, or calculate both pay periods that fall in May if you are paid bi-weekly.
  2. Apply Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs). SSDI recipients may deduct documented work-related expenses — such as specialized transportation, prescription medications required for work, or adaptive equipment — from their countable gross income.
  3. Request a paycheck timing adjustment. Ask your employer if the final May paycheck can be issued in early June. This moves income out of the May reporting period and into June.
  4. Use the Student Earned Income Exclusion if applicable. SSI recipients under age 22 who are regularly attending school may exclude up to $2,410 per month in earned income from their SSI calculation in 2026. This exclusion applies in May, which coincides with the end of the academic year.
  5. Report earnings promptly to the SSA. Unreported earnings discovered later can result in overpayment notices and benefit reductions. The SSA allows online wage reporting through My Social Security or the SSA Mobile Wage Reporting app.

2026 COLA Update — How It Affects Your May 2026 Social Security Payment

The 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2026 took effect on January 1, 2026. All Social Security payments issued from January 2026 forward — including May 2026 — already reflect this increase. No additional COLA adjustment is scheduled for May or any other month in 2026.

The Social Security Administration calculates the annual COLA using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 2026 COLA of 2.8% is higher than the 2.5% COLA applied in 2025.

Benefit Type2025 Amount2026 AmountCOLA Dollar Increase
Average Retired Worker$2,015/month$2,071/month+$56/month
Maximum Benefit at Full Retirement Age$4,018/month$4,152/month+$134/month
Maximum Benefit at Age 70$4,918/month$5,181/month+$263/month
Average SSDI Recipient$1,586/month$1,630/month+$44/month
SSI (Individual)$967/month$994/month+$27/month
SSI (Couple)$1,450/month$1,491/month+$41/month

The 2026 earnings test limit is $24,480 per year ($2,040 per month) for beneficiaries under Full Retirement Age who continue working. For every $2 earned above this threshold, the SSA withholds $1 in benefits. The maximum taxable Social Security earnings for 2026 are $184,500.

What Time Does Social Security Direct Deposit Hit Your Bank Account in May 2026?

Social Security direct deposits typically post to bank accounts in the early morning hours of the scheduled payment date, generally between midnight and 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

For the Friday, May 1, 2026 payment — which covers SSI recipients and pre-May 1997 beneficiaries — some banks and credit unions process the ACH transfer Thursday night at midnight and make funds available before May 1 begins. Processing times vary by financial institution.

For the Wednesday payments on May 13, May 20, and May 27, funds are typically available by mid-morning Eastern Time.

If your bank account does not show the deposit by the afternoon of your scheduled payment date, follow these steps:

  1. Confirm your correct payment date. Use the table above to verify which May date applies to your recipient group and birth date.
  2. Check for pending ACH transactions. Contact your bank and ask specifically about pending ACH deposits. The transfer may be in process but not yet posted.
  3. Log in to My Social Security. Visit ssa.gov and select “Benefit & Payment Details” to confirm that the SSA issued the payment.
  4. Wait three business days. The SSA requests that recipients wait three business days after the scheduled payment date before reporting a missing payment.
  5. Contact the SSA. If the payment has not arrived after three business days, call 1-800-772-1213. The SSA helpline operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. Call Wednesday through Friday, before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m., for shorter wait times.

Direct Express cardholders may experience different posting times than bank account holders. Direct Express deposits are processed separately through Comerica Bank and may appear at a different time on the payment date than standard ACH direct deposits.

Special Situations — Social Security Payments May 2026

Dual Beneficiaries Receiving SSI and SSDI in May 2026

Recipients who receive both SSI and SSDI will receive two separate Social Security deposits in May 2026. The SSI payment arrives on Friday, May 1. The SSDI payment arrives on Wednesday, May 13, May 20, or May 27, depending on the recipient’s birth date. This is a standard payment pattern for dual beneficiaries and does not indicate an overpayment or error.

The combined May 2026 amount for a dual beneficiary depends on both their SSDI benefit amount and their SSI eligibility after SSDI income is counted. The SSA reduces SSI dollar-for-dollar after the first $20 of unearned income is excluded. Many dual beneficiaries receive a reduced SSI payment to supplement their SSDI amount.

New Beneficiaries Expecting Their First May 2026 Social Security Payment

First-time recipients approved in April or May 2026 may not receive their first payment on the standard May schedule. The SSA typically issues the first payment one to two months after the approval date, depending on when the claim was processed and the established benefit start date. First-time recipients should log in to My Social Security at ssa.gov or contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm their first expected payment date.

SSI Student Earned Income Exclusion for May 2026

SSI recipients under age 22 who are regularly attending school can exclude up to $2,410 per month in earned income from their SSI calculation in 2026. The annual cap for this exclusion is $9,750 in 2026. May coincides with end-of-semester employment increases for students, making this exclusion particularly relevant for eligible recipients this month. The SSA defines “regularly attending school” as attending a college or university for at least eight hours per week, or a vocational or technical training program for at least 12 hours per week.

Full 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule — Year Calendar

The SSA publishes all monthly payment dates for the full calendar year. The table below lists every Social Security and SSI payment date for 2026.

MonthSSI Payment DatePre-1997 / Dual BeneficiaryBirthday 1–10Birthday 11–20Birthday 21–31
JanuaryWednesday, January 1Friday, January 3Wednesday, January 14Wednesday, January 21Wednesday, January 28
FebruaryFriday, January 30*Friday, February 6Wednesday, February 11Wednesday, February 18Wednesday, February 25
MarchFriday, February 27*Friday, March 6Wednesday, March 11Wednesday, March 18Wednesday, March 25
AprilWednesday, April 1Friday, April 3Wednesday, April 8Wednesday, April 15Wednesday, April 22
MayFriday, May 1Friday, May 1*Wednesday, May 13Wednesday, May 20Wednesday, May 27
JuneMonday, June 1Wednesday, June 3Wednesday, June 10Wednesday, June 17Wednesday, June 24
JulyWednesday, July 1Friday, July 3Wednesday, July 8Wednesday, July 15Wednesday, July 22
AugustFriday, July 31*Wednesday, August 5Wednesday, August 12Wednesday, August 19Wednesday, August 26
SeptemberMonday, September 1Wednesday, September 3Wednesday, September 9Wednesday, September 16Wednesday, September 23
OctoberWednesday, October 1Friday, October 2Wednesday, October 14Wednesday, October 21Wednesday, October 28
NovemberFriday, October 30*Wednesday, November 4Wednesday, November 12Wednesday, November 18Wednesday, November 25
DecemberTuesday, December 1Wednesday, December 2Wednesday, December 9Wednesday, December 16Wednesday, December 23

Frequently Asked Questions — Social Security Payments May 2026

Will Social Security be paid in May 2026?

Yes. The SSA will distribute payments on Friday, May 1 (SSI and pre-1997 recipients), Wednesday, May 13 (birthdays 1–10), Wednesday, May 20 (birthdays 11–20), and Wednesday, May 27 (birthdays 21–31), 2026.

When will SSI payments arrive in May 2026?

SSI payments will be deposited on Friday, May 1, 2026. This is a standard payment date. There is no early or double payment in May.

Is Memorial Day going to delay Social Security in May 2026?

No. Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25, 2026 — after all scheduled payment dates. No Social Security or SSI payments are delayed due to this holiday.

Will there be extra or double Social Security payments in May 2026?

No. The SSA has not authorized any bonus or supplemental payments for May 2026. Reports of extra checks are not confirmed by the Social Security Administration.

Why did I get two Social Security payments in May 2026?

If you receive both SSI and SSDI or retirement benefits, you receive two separate deposits — SSI on Friday, May 1, and SSDI or retirement on your birthday, Wednesday. This is a standard payment pattern, not an overpayment.

How much is the SSI payment in May 2026?

The 2026 federal SSI maximum is $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 per month for a couple, reflecting the 2.8% COLA applied in January 2026.

What is the maximum Social Security retirement benefit in May 2026?

The maximum Social Security retirement benefit in 2026 is $4,152 per month for a worker retiring at Full Retirement Age, and $5,181 per month for a worker who delayed benefits until age 70.

What is the SSDI income limit for May 2026?

The Substantial Gainful Activity limit for non-blind SSDI recipients in 2026 is $1,690 per month. Earning above this amount in any month may affect SSDI eligibility.

What time does Social Security direct deposit hit my bank account in May 2026?

Direct deposits typically post in the early morning hours of the scheduled payment date, usually between midnight and 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Some banks make funds available earlier.

What should I do if my Social Security payment is late in May 2026?

Wait three business days after your scheduled payment date before reporting a missing payment. If the payment has not arrived, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.

Will I receive a Social Security Fairness Act adjustment payment in May 2026?

It depends on the status of your individual SSA case. Recipients affected by the elimination of WEP and GPO who have not yet received their corrected benefit amount or retroactive lump sum should contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.

How to Check Your May 2026 Social Security Payment Status

The fastest way to verify your May 2026 Social Security payment is to log in to your My Social Security account at ssa.gov. The “Benefit & Payment Details” section displays your scheduled payment amount and the date the payment was issued.

Steps to check your May 2026 payment status:

  1. Go to ssa.gov and select “Sign In” at the top right of the page.
  2. Log in to My Social Security with your username and password, or create a free account.
  3. Select “Benefit & Payment Details” from your account dashboard.
  4. Review the payment information for your May 2026 deposit date and amount.
  5. Check for official SSA notices. Suspension letters, overpayment notices, and eligibility reviews are posted in the same portal.

As of 2026, the SSA requires all new beneficiaries to receive payments electronically. Existing paper check recipients are encouraged to switch to direct deposit through their bank or enroll in the Direct Express debit card program to ensure timely delivery each month.

Key Takeaways: Social Security Payments May 2026

The Social Security Administration will distribute payments across four dates in May 2026. SSI recipients and pre-May 1997 beneficiaries are both paid on Friday, May 1, 2026. All other retirement, SSDI, and survivor benefit recipients are paid on Wednesday, May 13, Wednesday, May 20, or Wednesday, May 27, 2026, based on their date of birth.

May 2026 is a standard, stable payment month. There are no early payments, no holiday delays, and no bonus checks. Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, has no impact on any May payment date.

All May 2026 payments include the 2.8% COLA that took effect January 1, 2026. The net monthly gain for the average retiree after the $17.90 Medicare Part B premium increase is approximately $38.10 per month.

Working SSDI and SSI recipients with weekly or bi-weekly pay schedules should monitor their May 2026 earned income closely. The five-Friday calendar in May means some recipients may receive five paychecks and inadvertently exceed the $1,690 SGA limit.

For the most current and personalized payment information, log in to your My Social Security account at ssa.gov or contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

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