The state pension is usually paid every 4 weeks (every four weeks) into an account of your choice. The specific day of the week for payment depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance number. While the default payment frequency is every 4 weeks, you may request to be paid weekly or fortnightly instead, though the 4-weekly payment is the standard option. The first payment normally comes within 5 weeks of reaching State Pension age or choosing to start the pension, and subsequent payments follow every 4 weeks in arrears.