May 2026 has begun, and the Social Security Administration has already started sending monthly benefit payments to millions of Americans. While some recipients received money on Friday, May 1, many others must wait until later in the month.
The exact payment date depends on the type of benefit a person receives and, for most Social Security beneficiaries, the date of birth connected to the worker’s benefit record.
Who Was Paid On May 1?
Several groups were scheduled to receive payments on May 1, 2026.
The first group includes people receiving Supplemental Security Income, also known as SSI. SSI is usually paid on the first day of each month.
The second group includes Social Security beneficiaries who started receiving benefits before May 1997. These payments normally go out on the third day of the month, but because May 3 falls on a non-business day, the payment was moved earlier.
The third group includes people who receive both SSI and Social Security benefits. These combined beneficiaries also received their Social Security payment early.
May 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule
Most Social Security recipients receive retirement, disability or survivor benefits on one of three Wednesdays each month. The date depends on the beneficiary’s birthday.
| Birth Date | May 2026 Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st to 10th | Wednesday, May 13 |
| 11th to 20th | Wednesday, May 20 |
| 21st to 31st | Wednesday, May 27 |
This Wednesday schedule applies to most people who began receiving Social Security after May 1997 and do not also receive SSI.
What Is SSI?
SSI is a needs-based federal benefit for certain people with limited income and resources. It can support older adults, people with disabilities and eligible individuals with very low income.
SSI is different from regular Social Security because eligibility is not based on a person’s work history. Instead, it depends mainly on financial need and qualifying status.
Average Benefit Amounts
Average monthly benefit amounts vary by program and beneficiary type. Based on SSA figures, average payments include:
| Benefit Type | Average Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Retired workers | $2,081.16 |
| Disabled workers | $1,634.70 |
| Survivor benefits | $1,625.56 |
| SSI benefits | $738.22 |
Actual payments can be higher or lower depending on eligibility, earnings history, income, resources and other factors.
How SSA Sends Payments
SSA benefits are usually paid electronically. Most recipients receive funds by direct deposit into a bank account.
Others may receive payments through the Direct Express card, a debit card used for federal benefit payments. Electronic payments help beneficiaries access funds faster and reduce the risk of lost or delayed paper checks.
For May 2026, SSI recipients and certain Social Security beneficiaries were scheduled to receive payments on May 1. Most other Social Security recipients will be paid on May 13, May 20 or May 27, depending on their birth date.
Beneficiaries should check their payment method, monitor their bank account or Direct Express card and use the SSA schedule to plan monthly expenses.