The payment has been in place since the 1970s and has remained at the same rate for decades.

Recipients do not need to apply, as the money is deposited directly into eligible accounts. Bank statements will show the payment under the code “DWP XB.”

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To qualify, people must be claiming one of 24 eligible benefits before December begins.

Here is the full list:

• Adult Disability Payment
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Carer Support Payment
• Child Disability Payment
• Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
• Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim)
• Disability Living Allowance
• Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate
• Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers)
• Mobility Supplement

• Pension Age Disability Payment
• Pension Credit – the guarantee element
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA)
• Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected)
• State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit)
• Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes)
• War Disablement Pension at State Pension age
• War Widow’s Pension
• Widowed Mother’s Allowance
• Widowed Parent’s Allowance
• Widow’s Pension

The payment will arrive during the first full week of December. This year that means between December 1 and December 7.

Anyone who believes they should receive the payment but does not see it in their account is advised to contact their local Jobcentre Plus or pension centre.

Additional support is also available this winter.

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Councils run the scheme differently depending on local needs, but support is typically directed towards people on low incomes or benefits.

Households are also encouraged to look for simple ways to cut energy use this winter.

Reducing the thermostat by just one degree could save more than £170 annually, while switching off unused lights and appliances can save around £20.

Smart meters can help people track energy use more accurately, and comparing tariffs may also lead to savings if existing fixed deals have ended.