social security administration may 2026: It’s time to gear up for Social Security payments hitting accounts in May. Your payout date depends on your special birthdate. If you were born between the 1st and 10th, expect it on the second Wednesday of the month. Birthdays from the 11th to 20th? Third Wednesday. And if you’re between the 21st and 31st, it’s the fourth Wednesday.
social security administration may 2026 Dates:
| Born between | Dates |
| 1st and 10th | Second Wednesday of the month |
| 11th to 20th | Third Wednesday of the month |
| 21st and 31st | Fourth Wednesday of the month |
Folks born 1st through 10th kick things off first this May, with payments dropping on Wednesday, May 13. Next up, 11th-20th birthdays get theirs on May 20. The final group (21st-31st) wraps it on May 27.
Check the full 2026 schedule straight from the Social Security Administration here on their site.
The average monthly retirement benefit sits at about $1,931 right now, per SSA data here. Your exact amount hinges on when you retired and your lifetime earnings. Delay retirement, and the max payout climbs: $2,969 if you claimed at 62, $4,152 at full retirement age (67), or $5,181 at 70. Details from the SSA.
FAQs
When do I get my May Social Security payment?
It depends on your birthdate: 1st-10th (May 13), 11th-20th (May 20), 21st-31st (May 27).
What’s the average Social Security retirement benefit?
Around $1,931 per month, but it varies by your earnings history and retirement age.
How does my retirement age affect my max benefit in 2026?
At 62: up to $2,969. At 67 (full age): $4,152. At 70: $5,181.
Where can I find the full 2026 payment schedule?
Download it from the SSA website here.
Why do payment dates vary?
They’re based on your birthdate to spread out the workload—1st-10th (2nd Wed), 11th-20th (3rd Wed), 21st-31st (4th Wed).