Social Security Administration to send payments in May: Check date, eligibility, payment amounts and full schedule

Millions of social security recipients in the United States are scheduled to receive their payments on May 27. Out of the 71.1 million Social Security beneficiaries, most receive their money on one of three Wednesdays each month, depending on their date of birth. If you are waiting for the May 27 deposit, you should note that your eligibility is tied birthdays that fall between the 21st and 31st of any month. Candidates are eligible for SSA payments beginning at the age of 62.

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May 2026’s full three-Wednesdays schedule is:

Born on 1st-10th of any month: Wednesday, May 13


Born on 11th-20th of any month: Wednesday, May 20

Born on 21st-31st of any month: Wednesday, May 27

SSA May 2026 date, amount and eligibility

People who started receiving Social Security Administration benefits before May 1997 usually get their payments on the third day of every month instead of through the regular birthdate schedule. The May 27 payment will include multiple types of Social Security benefits, including retirement payments, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and survivor benefits.

A beneficiary retiring at the youngest age, 62, could receive up to $2,969 per month, while a 70-year-old retiree could receive up to $5,181 per month, according to the Social Security Administration. Beneficiaries can see a personalized estimate of how much they could expect each month using the SSA’s calculator.


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Payment amounts depend on earnings and retirement age

The amount beneficiaries receive from the Social Security Administration varies widely based on factors such as lifetime earnings, retirement age, and payroll tax contributions throughout a worker’s career.

According to the agency’s latest guidance, the average retirement benefit in 2026 is around $2,000 per month. However, some recipients receive much higher or lower amounts depending on their individual work history and claiming age.

Workers who delayed retirement until age 70 and consistently earned at or above the taxable maximum during their careers may receive monthly payments exceeding $5,000 in 2026. Disability and survivor benefits, meanwhile, are calculated differently and are based on work credits and earnings records.

How much do Social Security beneficiaries receive?

According to figures shared by the Social Security Administration, the average monthly Social Security payments are:

Retirement benefits: $2,026.41
Disability benefits: $1,493.20
Survivor benefits: $1,625.56
How does Social Security send benefit payments?
Direct deposit

Most beneficiaries receive payments through direct deposit into their bank accounts. Recipients can update their banking information through the SSA’s online My Social Security portal.

Direct Express card

Benefits can also be loaded onto the Direct Express card, a debit card used for federal benefit payments. People can sign up for Direct Express by calling 1-800-333-1795 or 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office.

What should I do if I don't get my Social Security payment?

According to the SSA, if you don't receive your payment on the scheduled date, wait three days additional days, then call their office.