You Might Not Be Getting Your May Social Security Check Today
Retirees who rely on Social Security payments usually eagerly await their monthly payments. And while there's a certain rhythm to when the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends benefit payments, the schedule doesn't always look the same from month to month.
That means many folks won't be getting their Social Security deposits today. Were you already aware that your money wouldn't be deposited into your bank account today? If not, keep reading to learn more about why you're not getting your Social Security payment today, and when you can expect to see it instead.
Your Social Security Check May Not Arrive Today
Only those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of the month can expect to receive their payment today. That's because the SSA has staggered its payment rollouts over several weeks of the month, with payments being sent out each Wednesday for the latter part of the month.
However, some Social Security recipients may have already received their payments prior to today. That's true of anyone receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as a standalone payment, those receiving both SSI and Social Security, and those who began collecting benefits prior to May 1997.
Related: The Secret To Boosting Your Social Security Check by 30 Percent
When Will Your Social Security Payment Arrive
If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, you may still be waiting for your payments. According to the Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments for 2026, payments will be sent out according to the following order:
- Those born between the 11th and 20th will receive payments on May 20
- Those born between the 21st and 31st will receive their payments on May 27
Related: Why Your Social Security Benefits Might Be Taxed for the First Time Ever
What If My Social Security Payment Is Late?
Of course, there's always a chance that your Social Security payment doesn't arrive on those days, even if it's supposed to. According to the SSA, if your payment due date has passed and you have not received your payment, contact your bank or financial institution before contacting the SSA.
That's because sometimes wire transfers can get held up by your bank, and it will be up to the financial institution to disburse those funds to your account. Of course, if your bank is unable to help you or says it never received the money, you can always reach out to the SSA for assistance. Just beware that you may experience delays, especially around payment dates, as the SSA lost thousands of employees in 2025 and is operating at reduced capacity as it attempts to address staffing issues.
Additionally, some SSA offices are closed for in-person visits right now, and are only taking meetings virtually. You can find out which offices are closed and which are open by visiting the SSA's Office Closings and Emergencies page, which provides state-by-state information on office availability, showing which locations are open for business as usual and which are experiencing delays or closures.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 8:55 AM.