WINNING
How long do you have to claim a lottery prize?
The 180-day rule for UK National Lottery prizes, what happens to unclaimed money and how to avoid missing out.
The short answer
You have 180 days after the draw to claim a National Lottery draw game prize. That covers Lotto, EuroMillions, Thunderball, Set For Life and Powerball. Prizes that aren’t claimed in time are forfeited.
When the 180 days start
| What you played | Claim within |
|---|---|
| Draw games | 180 days after the draw |
| Instant Win Games | 180 days after the day you bought the game |
| Scratchcards | 180 days from the game’s closure date |
The rules include a narrow procedure for claims within 7 days after the end of the claim period. Don’t rely on it. Claim as early as you can.
If you played online
You don’t need to worry about losing a ticket. The National Lottery tells you if you win, and you can see results in the My games section of your account.
If you played in a shop
- Check your ticket against the right game and draw date.
- Keep the ticket safe and undamaged until you have been paid.
- For prizes over £500, you need to start your claim online. If you can’t, the National Lottery team can help on 0333 234 50 50.
Unclaimed prizes
Every year some big prizes go unclaimed. The National Lottery lists unclaimed prizes from recent draws on its website, often with the area where the ticket was bought. If you have old tickets lying around, check them against the draw date before the deadline passes.
Questions people ask
How long do I have to claim a Lotto prize?
180 days after the draw.
What happens if I don’t claim in time?
The prize is forfeited under the game rules.
Do I need to keep my ticket?
Yes, for shop tickets. Keep it safe until the prize is paid. Online players don’t need a paper ticket.
Sources
We check every guide against the operators’ own pages. Rules and prizes can change, so the official operator always has the final word.