Important Claim Information: Following the Pennsylvania Lottery’s recent computer system upgrade, we are working to process prize claims that were on hold for processing during the conversion to the new system. The estimated timeframe for claims processing is now between eight and 12 weeks after a claim has been filed and processed at Lottery Headquarters. We appreciate our players’ patience and understanding as our team works as quickly as possible to process claims. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Now What?
Congratulations! Start by signing the back of your ticket and clearly printing your name, address, and phone number.
Where do I claim my prize?
Prizes up to $2,500 may be claimed at a Pennsylvania Lottery retailer. Many prizes can be paid immediately if a retailer is able to pay by cash, check or money order. If they cannot, please try a different retailer or claim your prize by mail after reviewing the instructions below.
If you are claiming a lottery prize of $600 or more, you are required to complete and submit a Claim Form. There are several ways to obtain a claim form:
Prizes over $2,500 can only be paid by the Lottery. Mail a completed Claim Form along with the signed ticket to the address on the form.
Certain prizes must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Middletown. These include a Powerball® or Mega Millions® jackpot or top prizes; an annuity top or second-level prize for Cash4Life®, or an annuity prize for a Scratch-Off game.
For questions about prize claims, please contact our Claims Department, toll-free, at 1-800-692-7481.
How long until my check arrives?
Most prize checks will arrive in four to six weeks after your claim has been received at Lottery headquarters and validated, but often less time. Some claims submitted in December cannot be processed until January so that prize payments and tax forms will be issued in the same calendar year.
How long do I have to collect a prize?
Remember to check tickets and claim prizes promptly! In general, prizes expire in one year from certain dates:
- Scratch-Offs prizes expire one year from the game’s end-sale date, listed here.
- Draw Game prizes expire one year from the drawing date.
- Fast Play prizes expire one year from the ticket’s purchase date.
After 180 days, Fast Play and Draw Game tickets worth more than $100 cannot be claimed at a retailer. They must be submitted to the Lottery with a Claim Form in order to be redeemed.
How do I claim a prize by mail or if I live out of state?
It’s easy to claim a Pennsylvania Lottery prize by mail. Sign and fill out your winning ticket and make a copy of it, front and back, for your records. If the prize is over $600, fill out a Claim Form to submit with your ticket. Our mailing address is:
Pennsylvania Lottery
ATTN: CLAIMS
1200 Fulling Mill Road, Suite 1
Middletown, PA 17057
You do not have to live in Pennsylvania to play a game or win a prize, but the Pennsylvania Lottery can only pay prizes on winning tickets that it has sold. This applies to multi-state games such as Powerball, Mega Millions or Cash4Life, because each state manages its own prize pool. A jackpot or annuity prize must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Middletown.
Can a group claim and share a prize?
It’s fun to share! Individual prize checks can be issued, but only for prizes of $5,000 or more where individual shares of the prize are $500 or more. Winners must indicate on their Claim Forms that they want individual checks. Group claims will also require each group member to complete some additional paperwork. For further information, please contact our Claims Department, toll-free, at 1-800-692-7481.
Are Lottery prizes taxable?
Yes, Lottery prizes are taxable income under federal and state law. For prizes of $600 or more, you will receive a W-2G form from the Lottery to report your winnings and submit with your tax returns.
On prizes over $5,000, the Lottery will withhold the minimum amount of applicable taxes before sending you your prize check. Your total tax liability depends on income, deductions, exemptions and other factors, so please consult with a qualified tax professional when filing your tax returns.
Can winners remain anonymous?
As in most states, Pennsylvania Lottery winners cannot remain anonymous and certain winner information is made public under the state’s Open Records law. This assures the public that Lottery winners are real people and that the Lottery operates with integrity and transparency. Lottery policy also permits the following information to be published on our website:
Name and/or partial name of the winner(s)
City and/or county of residence
Name of game won
Date of win
Prize amount
Players who appear in Winners’ Circle Stories have specifically given the Lottery permission to share their photo, name and story.