Cold Weather Payments could arrive in November as Met Office forecasts colder temperatures

Payments to assist with the cold weather could arrive in bank accounts as early as November - with the Met Office forecasting 'unsettled' weather this month. These payments, amounting to £25 a day, target low-income families and pensioners, although they are not guaranteed - they strictly depend on the severity and duration of the cold conditions.

Despite a relatively mild autumn, temperatures are expected to plummet in the following weeks. The cold weather payment scheme will be reinstated in November and will activate if temperatures drop sufficiently over an extended timeline.

There’s no need to apply as eligible recipients will receive the funds automatically. For such payments to kick in, the average temperature in an area must fall to 0C or below for seven consecutive days – a substantial bout of cold weather would be necessary.

While this currently seems unlikely, things could change, and it typically becomes a bigger possibility around December and January. Those entitled to the benefits include individuals receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, and Universal Credit.

According to Government guidance: "You may get Cold Weather Payments if you're getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. If you're eligible, you'll get these payments automatically," reports Birmingham Live.

"You do not need to apply, but you may need to tell Jobcentre Plus if you have a baby or if a child under five comes to live with you. You'll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over seven consecutive days.

"You'll get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 2, 2024 and March 31, 2025." The government's GOV.UK website states: "You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.

"You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025. Find out if the weather where you live means you may get a payment."

According to the Met Office, colder weather is on the way. Their long-range forecast for November 5 to 14 states: "High pressure is likely to dominate the weather across many parts of the UK during this period.

"This will mean plenty of dry and settled weather for most, although it may be fairly cloudy at times. Where skies clear overnight some areas of fog and frost are likely to develop.

"Southern areas are expected to be mainly dry during this period, while any more unsettled conditions and periods of rain are more likely to affect areas further north, particularly the north and northwest of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

"Winds will likely be light in the south, but there could be some spells of strong winds across the north and west. Temperatures will probably be close to normal overall, although some cold nights are possible at times."

Their forecast from November 15 to November 29 also warns of colder 'interludes'. It states: "After a relatively settled start to November, around mid-month there will probably be a change toward more unsettled conditions for a time.

"This means an increased chance of periods of wet and windy weather for parts of the UK, perhaps more so in the south. However, there is low confidence whether unsettled, wetter weather or drier and more settled conditions will dominate by the end of the month. Temperatures will probably be close to average overall, although some colder interludes are possible."