Social Security Confirms $715 to $1,980 Checks – Up to $1,450, Exceeding SSI Payments Next Week

The Social Security Administration has officially confirmed upcoming payments for millions of Americans, with checks ranging from $715 to $1,980 and SSI benefits up to $1,450 arriving next week. Whether you’re a retiree, living with a disability, or supporting a loved one who relies on these benefits, it’s important to know who qualifies, how much to expect, and when payments will land.

Payments

Let’s get straight to it. Here’s what you need to know about May 2025 payments:

Benefit Type	Payment Date	Maximum Amount
SSI (Individuals)	May 10, 2025	$967
SSI (Couples)	May 10, 2025	$1,450
SSI (Essential Persons)	May 10, 2025	$484
Social Security (SSA/SSDI)	May 3, 2025	$715–$1,980

You may qualify for one or both payments, depending on your age, work history, disability status, and financial situation.

Programs

Social Security and SSI are different, but both are managed by the Social Security Administration.

• Social Security is earned based on your work history and contributions to FICA taxes. This includes retirement and SSDI (disability) benefits.
• SSI, on the other hand, is need-based. You don’t need work credits, but your income and assets must be low.

SSI Eligibility

To get SSI in May 2025, you must meet these basic requirements:

• Be at least 65 years old, legally blind, or disabled
• Have limited income (including wages, pensions, etc.)
• Have limited assets ($2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples)
• Be a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen living in the U.S.

Payments vary based on living arrangements, state supplements, and income.

SSA Eligibility

If you’re collecting Social Security retirement or SSDI benefits, here’s what makes you eligible:

• Retirement Benefits: Must be at least 62 years old with 40 work credits
• SSDI: Must have a qualifying disability and a recent work history
• Disability definition: A condition that prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death

You can earn up to four credits per year; most workers need 40 total for retirement benefits.

COLA

Payments are higher in 2025 because of the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment. The SSA uses the CPI-W to calculate inflation. For 2025, the COLA is 3.2%, which increases all Social Security and SSI payments.

Examples:

• A retiree who got $1,920 last year now receives about $1,980
• An SSI recipient who received $937 will now get $967

Application

Here’s how to apply or make sure your benefits arrive smoothly:

Step 1

Use the SSA Benefits Screening Tool on ssa.gov to see if you qualify.

Step 2

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount to:

• Estimate your benefits
• View payment history
• Update direct deposit information
• Manage your application

Step 3

You may need:

• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Proof of income and assets
• Medical documentation (for SSDI)
• W-2 or tax return (if self-employed)

Step 4

Apply online at ssa.gov/apply, or visit your local SSA office.

Step 5

After approval, use your SSA account to check your status, update personal info, and monitor your payments.

Tips

To make the most of your benefits:

• Sign up for direct deposit to get payments faster
• Report changes in income or living arrangements immediately
• Keep records of your medical expenses if applying for SSDI
• Use SSA’s online tools to avoid long office waits

Dual Payments

Some people qualify for both SSI and Social Security. In that case, you may receive:

• SSI on May 10
• SSA or SSDI on May 3

Your total benefit may be adjusted to avoid overpayment, depending on your income.

FAQs