When will I get my Social Security check? Payment schedule for May.

Key Points:

• Social Security payments are generally distributed based on recipients' birth dates, with payments arriving on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month depending on the day of birth; Supplemental Security Income benefits are usually paid on the first of the month or the preceding business day if the first falls on a weekend or holiday.
• Eligibility for Social Security benefits requires being at least 62 years old with 40 work credits, but benefits may also be available for disabled or blind individuals and certain family members based on the primary beneficiary’s birthday.
• Most Social Security payments are made electronically via direct deposit or a Direct Express Debit Mastercard, with paper checks being rare and potentially slower to arrive; recipients should verify their bank information and address with the SSA to avoid delays.
• If payments are delayed, recipients should check with their bank or contact the SSA directly, using the My Social Security online portal to manage benefits, request replacements, or check application status.
• Due to staffing shortages and technology issues at the SSA, processing times for initial Social Security benefit applications are longer than usual, making it advisable to apply up to four months in advance of the desired start date.