Millions of Americans to receive an unusual second Social Security check in May

This month comes with an unusual second Social Security check for millions of Americans who qualify for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The Social Security Administration typically delivers checks for a single Supplemental Social Security (SSI) payment on the first of the month, unless it falls on a weekend or holiday. 

Since June 1 falls on a Saturday, SSI recipients will receive two payments during May. The first check is scheduled to arrive on May 1st, while the second check will arrive on May 31st. SSI benefits assist disabled and elderly Americans with low incomes. However, keep in mind that these back-to-back payments don’t mean recipients are getting extra money; it’s just an early payment for the following month. 

All the upcoming Social Security check payments for SSI recipients in 2024

We have included the full SSI payment schedule for this year because the Social Security payment schedule can sometimes be confusing. Please visit the official 2024 benefit payment schedule for additional information on other Social Security program payments. 

• July: Monday, 1st of the month
• August: Thursday, 1st of the month
• August (September): Friday, 30th of August
• October: Tuesday, 1st of the month
• November: Friday, 1st of the month
• November (December): Friday, 29th of November

If you don’t receive your Social Security check on the scheduled date, please wait three mailing dates before contacting the SSA. You can contact the federal agency by phone at 1-800-772-1213, toll-free, in addition to using our website. Additionally, you can use the TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, if you are hard of hearing or deaf. Remember that every call is handled with confidence by the Social Security Administration and that they guarantee you precise and polite customer service. 

Eligibility conditions to receive the SSI double payment 

To qualify for the SSI double payment, recipients must meet strict standards, such as meeting income and resource limits. Those with disabilities who are interested in applying must also have a severe physical or mental disability that is expected to last at least one year or that could be fatal. It is important to note that Social Security Administration regulations require beneficiaries to provide medical documentation. 

Moreover, low-income seniors must demonstrate that they are unable to obtain fulfilling employment in the economy, even when jobs are advertised or offered. If an applicant’s income or assets exceed the eligibility limits, his or her application will be denied. After screening, pre-qualified individuals are referred to state disability determination agencies for medical evaluation. Approximately 60% of applications for SSI payments were denied between 2018 and 2020.

All Social Security check amounts are available for SSI recipients, and other Social Security beneficiaries

The Social Security Administration calculates each monthly benefit based on several factors and conditions for each insurance or financial program. Besides having different Social Security check amounts available, beneficiaries are also entitled to receive a monthly boost according to the cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase that is determined at the end of the year, in October.

Increases in Social Security benefits are known as cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) and are intended to offset inflation. The COLA for 2024 was set at 3.2%, which was considerably low compared to the 8.7% from 2023. Until now, there has not been an official COLA percentage increase, but estimates say it will likely be between 2.6% and 3% in 2025.