Social Security Payments Might Arrive Later for IA, IL, and WI Residents

For Social Security collectors across the United States, including those who live in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, there's good news and bad news this month. The good news? Some recipients could see three checks hit their bank account this month. The bad news? Those checks could come later than usual.

The Social Security Administration has laid out plans to slash about 12% of its workforce, or roughly 7,000 jobs. It's been a tumultuous time for workers at the SSA, and those looking to collect. I know this because my father has had a hell of a time getting clear answers about his future payments. While the benefit of an added check this month will be felt by a significant number of retirees, it might arrive in the mail or in their bank accounts late.

How Many Will Be Affected:

According to USA Today and several other sources, retirees who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are getting two checks in the month of May (one for May, one for June) due to rare-but-existing quirks in the Social Security calendar. In addition, the distribution dates for Social Security benefits are later in May's payment schedule than any other month in 2025.

USA Today reports that about 7.4 million Americans who might be disabled or have limited resources get monthly SSI benefits. Those individuals will receive three benefits payments hitting their accounts during the month of May. Traditional Social Security payments are issued on Wednesdays.

May's Calendar Falls in a Peculiar Way:

If your birthdate falls between the first and 10th of the month, you are paid on the second Wednesday in said month. This month, that second Wednesday is May 14th. If your birthday is between the 11th and 20th, you're paid on the third Wednesday (May 21st). If your birthday is after the 20th, you get paid on the fourth Wednesday (May 28th), per the Social Security calendar.

Because the second Wednesday of May falls on the 14th, that means May's payments will be the latest out of all the months in 2025.

If You're an SSI Recipient, You Will Receive Two Checks This Month:

SSI recipients will receive two checks this month, the first having been issued on May 1st, and the second scheduled for May 30th. Here is a look at the date checks will be sent out for the remainder of the 2025 calendar, per Social Security's website:

• Thursday, May 1, 2025 (Check for May 2025)
• Friday, May 30, 2025 (Check for June 2025)
• Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (Check for July 2025)
• Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 (Check for August 2025)
• Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 (Check for September 2025)
• Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 (Check for October 2025)
• Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (Check for November 2025)
• Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (Check for December 2025)
• Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (Check for January 2026)

USA Today also notes that adults who earn more than $2,019 from work monthly typically do not qualify for SSI. For more information on the later-than-usual Social Security payments for the month of May, visit USA Today's website.