The state pension is likely to rise by 4.7% in April, after the latest official figures showed this was the pace of wage growth.
The pension is determined by the triple lock, which means it will rise every year by whichever is highest: inflation in September, average weekly earnings from May to July or 2.5%.
Inflation in September is expected to be 4% by the Bank of England, meaning wage data, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Tuesday, is set to be the highest figure.
Government retains control of pension increases and, despite commitments, could decide not to abide by the triple lock.
The new pension sum will start being paid in April, and if it increased by 4.7% would reach £12,534.60, above £12,000 for the first time ever.
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