Why an Extra Social Security Payment Will Come in May

SSI beneficiaries will get two payments in May 2024, but one of them is for June.
Whitney Vandiver
By Whitney Vandiver 
Updated
Edited by Holly Carey

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A few times a year, recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) receive two payments in a month. But those double deposits aren’t extra money. They’re early payments for the following month.

In May, people who receive SSI benefits will get a second check before the calendar rolls into June. Here’s what you need to know about that second payment.

Why you’re getting two SSI payments

The Social Security Administration (SSA) usually issues SSI payments on the first day of each month. But if that date is on a weekend or holiday, the agency pays you ahead of schedule — on the last business day of the preceding month

.

This schedule ensures those dependent on SSI have the money they need by the first day of the month.

The second SSI payment is not an extra payment. It’s the next month’s payment hitting your account a few days early.

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It’s likely you’ll also receive an SSI payment early when the first of the month is a federal holiday. The payment will be made on the last business day of the previous month.

When you’ll get paid

Your SSI payment for May 2024 will be available on May 1, and a second payment will hit your account on May 31. Because the second payment is for the month of June, the next SSI payment after that won't be until July 1

.

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How the second SSI payment will be paid

SSI payments are issued one of two ways. For beneficiaries with bank accounts, the payments come as direct deposits. For those without bank accounts or those who prefer a more tangible method, payments are added to beneficiaries’ accounts with Direct Express cards. The second payment in May will be paid with whichever method you’ve signed up for

.

Frequently asked questions

If it’s a planned payment because the first of the next month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, you don’t need to contact anyone. You can check out the payment schedule on the SSA website. But if you get a second payment when it’s not scheduled, give the SSA a call.

No, if the SSA is sending out two SSI payments in one month, they’ll both be paid in whichever way you’ve signed up to receive your funds.

No, some years will only have one check in May. However, because June 1 is a weekend, the SSA issues payments on the last business day of May to ensure you have your money before the first day of June.

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