Did you just hit the lottery jackpot? Here’s how long you have to claim your winnings.
Whether you score $10 or $10 million, don’t let your lucky moment slip away.
After the thrill of winning wears off, a wave of panic might set in as you wonder, “How long do I actually have to claim this?”
The answer? It depends.
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There’s no universal deadline—your claim window varies based on the state where you bought the ticket and the type of lottery game you played.
Before your golden ticket turns into a useless piece of paper, here’s what you need to know.
Lottery Winnings Claim Deadlines Vary by State
Each U.S. state that participates in the lottery sets its own deadline for how long winners have to claim their prize.
Some states give you as little as 90 days, while others allow up to a year. That means reading the fine print—or checking your state lottery’s website.
Some state-by-state claim deadlines include:
California
- Mega Millions & Powerball: One year from the draw date
- Other Draw Games: 180 days from the draw date
- Scratchers: 180 days from the official end-of-game date
Florida
- Draw Games: 180 days from the draw date
- Cash Option: 60 days to choose the lump sum
- Scratch-Off & Fast Play Games: 60 days from the end-of-game date
Texas
- Draw Games: 180 days from the draw date
- Scratch Tickets: 180 days from the official end-of-game date
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline to Claim Your Lottery Winnings?
Bad news: If you miss your claim window, you lose your prize—no exceptions.
What happens to the money varies by state. Some, like California and Georgia, redirect unclaimed winnings to education funds.
Others roll them into future prize pools or funnel the money into the state’s general revenue.
Whether you’re holding a lucky scratch-off or a jackpot-winning Powerball ticket, don’t delay.
Each day you wait is one closer to your prize expiring. Check your state’s rules, read the fine print and claim your winnings before your luck runs out!
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