For some Americans, May 2 could bring a major deposit up to $5,108 from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
That’s not a typo. In 2025, the maximum possible monthly benefit for those who delayed retirement until age 70 is $5,108. And for a specific group of beneficiaries, those payments are hitting bank accounts this Thursday.
So who’s getting paid and could you be one of them?
Why May 2 Is a Key Date
Social Security benefits are typically paid on Wednesdays, based on your birth date. But there’s an exception for a specific group of people:
- If you started receiving Social Security before May 1997, your check is sent on the 3rd of each month.
- However, since May 3, 2025, is a Saturday, payments are being moved up to Friday, May 2.
That means retirees who’ve been on Social Security for a long time especially those over 75 are likely to see their money come early this month.
Who Gets the Maximum $5,108?
Let’s clear something up: Not everyone gets $5,108 far from it.
To qualify for the maximum monthly benefit in 2025, you must have:
- Worked for at least 35 years
- Consistently earned maximum taxable income during those years (in 2025, that’s $168,600)
- Delayed claiming your benefits until age 70
For context, most retirees in 2025 receive between $1,800 and $2,800 per month. Still, knowing what the upper limit is helps put your benefit into perspective and may motivate younger readers to delay claiming.
Real Example: Who’s Likely Getting Paid?
Meet Harold, 76, from Ohio. He retired late, spent four decades in a high-paying union job, and waited until 70 to file. His benefit is just over $5,000/month and it lands May 2 this year.
On the other hand, Barbara, 69, who retired at 62 with a modest work history, will receive around $1,650 and her check comes later in May, depending on her birthday.
Tips to Know If You’re Getting Paid on May 2
- Received benefits before May 1997? You’re part of this early group.
- Still getting paper checks? Consider switching to direct deposit to avoid postal delays.
- Unsure when your deposit hits? Log in to your mySocialSecurity account at ssa.gov to check your payment schedule.
Looking Ahead
If you’re not in the May 2 group, don’t worry other Social Security payment dates this month are:
- May 8: Birthdays 1st – 10th
- May 15: Birthdays 11th – 20th
- May 22: Birthdays 21st – 31st
Remember: Whether your check is $900 or $5,000, you’ve earned it. And staying on top of your schedule helps you plan better especially if you rely on Social Security to cover rent, medication, or other essentials.
Need Help?
Questions about your benefits? Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov.
Want to see how your benefit compares or what you could earn by delaying retirement? Check out our full 2025 Social Security Guide for personalized insights.
