If you are lucky enough to win the lottery in California, congratulations! However, before you start making plans for how to spend your winnings, it’s important to make sure you properly claim your prize within the required timeframe. Failing to do so could mean losing out on your jackpot entirely.
California law establishes strict time limits for claiming lottery prizes, whether you won Powerball, Mega Millions, SuperLotto Plus or any other state-sponsored game. Here is a breakdown of how long you have to claim a winning lottery ticket in California:
180 Days For Scratchers and Draw Games
For scratchers, Powerball, Mega Millions and other draw games in California, you have 180 days from the date of the draw to claim your prize. The date of the draw is considered the day the winning numbers are picked, not the day you purchase your ticket.
So for instance, if you buy a Powerball ticket on January 1st for the drawing on January 5th, and your numbers match the winning draw on the 5th, you then have 180 days from January 5th to claim your prize. You cannot wait to claim your prize until 180 days after buying the ticket on January 1st.
The 180 day rule applies to the following lottery games in California:
- Scratchers
- Powerball
- Mega Millions
- SuperLotto Plus
- Daily Derby
- Fantasy 5
- Daily 3
- Daily 4
- Hot Spot
- Any other draw game
So be sure to check your tickets promptly after a drawing and claim any prizes within 180 days of the drawing date printed on the ticket.
One Year For Jackpot Prizes
For the biggest lottery prizes of all, California gives you a bit more time to claim your winnings. You have up to one year from the date of the draw to claim any California lottery prize of $1 million or more.
This includes the giant jackpots offered by Powerball and Mega Millions. If you win one of these massive prizes, you will have 365 days from the draw date to complete the claim process.
The one-year timeframe applies specifically to the following prize amounts:
- Prizes of $1 million or more
- Powerball jackpot prize
- Mega Millions jackpot prize
- SuperLotto Plus jackpot prize
Giving winners 12 months to claim these huge prizes allows more time to put financial and legal affairs in order before publicly coming forward. Just don’t wait too long – make sure you start the process within a year!
What Happens If You Miss The Deadline?
If you fail to claim your California lottery prize within the required 180-day or 1-year timeframe, you will forfeit your winnings entirely.
Every year, millions of dollars in unclaimed prizes revert back to the state because ticketholders did not cash in their winning tickets in time. Don’t let this happen to you!
If you realize you have an expired ticket, unfortunately there is nothing you can do. California strictly enforces its claim deadlines and does not make exceptions. After the deadline passes, your prize is no longer valid and cannot be paid out.
How To Claim Your Prize
Claiming a California lottery prize requires completing a claim form and presenting the winning ticket either in person or by mail. Here is an overview of how to claim:
Prizes Under $600
For scratchers and draw game prizes under $600, you can claim your winnings at any of more than 23,000 lottery retailers in California. Retailers can validate your ticket and pay out prizes up to $599.
Prizes Between $600 and $49,999
For prizes between $600 and $49,999, you must claim by mail. Download a claim form from the California Lottery website and mail it in with your winning ticket. Keep photocopies for your records.
You can expect your payment 6-8 weeks after submitting your claim form.
Prizes Between $50,000 and $999,999
For medium-sized winnings, you must claim in person at one of the Lottery’s nine district office locations. Bring your ticket, completed claim form and any necessary identification.
The Lottery recommends making an appointment in advance. You will receive your prize 5-6 weeks after claiming in person.
Prizes of $1 Million or More
For jackpots and other jumbo prizes of $1 million or more, you will need to claim in person at Lottery headquarters in Sacramento. Appointments are mandatory.
Be prepared to deal with financial advisors and tax attorneys to help manage your windfall. You will receive your prize 5-6 weeks after claiming.
Tips For Safekeeping Your Ticket
Until you can claim your prize, it is crucial that you keep your winning lottery ticket safe and secure. Consider these tips:
- Sign the back of the ticket immediately.
- Make several photocopies of the front and back.
- Store the ticket in a safe or bank deposit box.
- Avoid handling the ticket unnecessarily.
- Do not laminate or bend the ticket.
- Tell only those who need to know about your win.
Following security best practices will ensure your ticket does not get lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed before you can claim it.
Act Fast To Start Claim Process
The most important thing is to act quickly after you win. With only 180 days for most prizes, and a year for jackpots, the clock starts ticking as soon as the numbers are drawn.
Begin completing your claim form, make copies of the ticket and review lottery security advice right away. The sooner you start the process, the less likely you are to run into any issues submitting your claim prior to the deadline.
Just remember – missing the claim window means losing your prize completely. So be sure to claim those big winnings well before time runs out!
Consult An Attorney
Claiming a lottery prize, especially a jackpot, can be complex. It’s highly recommended that you consult with an attorney and financial advisor to assist with the process.
An attorney can advise you on options for claiming anonymously through a trust, avoiding taxes, establishing a legal estate plan and other asset protection strategies. You will also need tax planning advice.
While claiming costs come out of your prize, working with professionals helps ensure your financial future will be secure long after the win.
California’s Biggest Unclaimed Prizes
To underscore the importance of claiming your prize on time, here is a look at some of the biggest unclaimed lottery prizes in recent California history:
- A SuperLotto Plus ticket worth $7.1 million went unclaimed in 2021.
- A Powerball ticket worth $1.6 million expired in 2020.
- Mega Millions saw a $4 million prize go unclaimed in 2019.
- A $4.1 million SuperLotto Plus ticket expired in 2013.
Don’t add your name to the list of those who missed out on millionaire status by not claiming in time! Be sure to follow all rules and deadlines when you score a big lottery win.
Stay Informed On Claim Rules
This covers the major points you need to know about claiming lottery prizes in California. But it’s always wise to stay up to date on current rules and regulations.
Visit the California Lottery website for official information on claiming procedures, offices locations and frequently asked questions. Doing your homework can help ensure you don’t leave any money on the table.
Winning the lottery represents an incredible opportunity to improve your life. But you need to make sure you complete the claim process properly and on time. Follow all the steps outlined here and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your sudden windfall to the fullest!