UK households could be eligible for £25 within days - amid forecasts the weather will take a major downturn. UK homes could be entitled to £25 payouts amid the Cold Weather Payment scheme, which is back from the government and Department for Work and Pensions.

The scheme, which is offered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), runs until March 31, and people are awarded £25 per seven days the average temperature in a person’s area falls to zero degrees or below. Forecasts are looking increasingly bleak, with the Met Office promising "wintry" conditions towards the end of November and start of December.

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 2023 - the start of this month - and 31 March 2024, the government says.

READ MORE Cadbury under fire over axing chocolate bar and fans say 'we were addicted'

You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). You could also be eligible if you get Universal Credit or Support for Mortgage Interest.

You do not need to apply. If you’re eligible to get Cold Weather Payments, you’ll be paid automatically. After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days. It’s paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments.

The government says UK families and households should inform the Pension Service or Jobcentre Plus if you think you should have got a Cold Weather Payment but you have not. Alternatively, if you’re getting Universal Credit, sign in to your account and add a note to your journal.