Millions of beneficiaries of Retirement, Survivor, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) received their regular payments on April 3, 2025. However, those who rely on these benefits will have to wait a bit longer for their May payments, which are typically due on the third of the month.
But because May 3 falls on a weekend, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has decided to move the payment date forward to May 2, ensuring that there are no delays for eligible recipients.
This adjustment means that millions of individuals will receive their RSDI payments a day earlier than expected. The move reflects the growing reliance of many Americans on Social Security as a crucial part of their income, whether they are retirees, survivors, or individuals with disabilities.
Why Some RSDI Recipients Will Receive Three Payments in May
For some RSDI recipients, there is a notable exception: if you receive your Social Security benefits on May 2, it could be due to one of two reasons:
- You began collecting Social Security benefits before May 1997, or
- You are currently receiving both RSDI and SSI benefits.
If you meet these criteria, you will receive three separate payments in May 2025—one for RSDI, one for SSI, and an advanced payment for June. This advance payment for June will be delivered on May 30, 2025, because the usual June 1 payment date falls on a Sunday.
SSI and RSDI Payment Amounts: What You Can Expect in May 2025
As of February 2025, the average RSDI payments vary depending on the type of benefit you are receiving:
| Type of Beneficiary | Average Payment (February 2025) |
|---|---|
| SSDI (Disability) | $1,580 |
| Retirees | $1,980 |
| Survivors | $1,547 |
| RSDI (Average) | $1,839.93 |
However, some recipients may be eligible for higher amounts.
For example, a retired worker who has worked and earned the maximum taxable income for 35 years in jobs covered by Social Security and waits until age 70 to file can receive up to $5,108.
Similarly, filing at Full Retirement Age can provide up to $4,018 for SSDI recipients.
SSI Payments: How Much Can You Expect?
For SSI recipients, the amounts vary depending on their individual situation:
- Individuals: Up to $967
- Essential persons: Up to $484
- Married couples: Up to $1,450
These figures represent the maximum SSI benefits available. However, certain states may offer additional supplements to SSI payments, allowing some recipients to receive slightly more depending on where they live.
Additional Support for RSDI Beneficiaries
If RSDI beneficiaries find that their payments are not enough to cover living expenses, they may want to consider applying for additional assistance programs, such as:
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
These programs can help provide supplementary income, ensuring that Social Security benefits stretch further and help beneficiaries meet their financial needs.
The May 2025 RSDI payments bring important changes, including early payments and advanced SSI payments for June. This is a crucial step in ensuring that beneficiaries can continue to rely on Social Security to meet their financial needs.
Whether you’re a retiree, survivor, or individual on disability, it’s important to stay informed about these changes and to apply for additional assistance programs if necessary to maximize your benefits.
FAQs
Why is my RSDI payment arriving earlier than expected in May 2025?
Your payment is being delivered a day earlier due to the third of the month falling on a weekend. The Social Security Administration has moved the payment date to May 2.
Why am I receiving three payments in May 2025?
You may receive three payments if you began collecting Social Security benefits before May 1997 or if you are receiving both RSDI and SSI benefits.
How can I qualify for additional Social Security benefits?
To qualify for the maximum benefits, you must have earned the maximum taxable income over 35 years of work in jobs covered by Social Security and wait until age 70 to file.