TL;DR
Set For Life draws take place every Monday and Thursday. The top prize pays £10,000 a month for 30 years, totalling £3.6 million. Players pick five main numbers from 1 to 47 and one Life Ball from 1 to 10.
Set For Life draws are held every Monday and Thursday. The top prize pays £10,000 a month for 30 years, totalling £3.6 million, structured as an annuity rather than a lump sum. Players pick five main numbers from 1 to 47 and one Life Ball from 1 to 10.
How a Set For Life ticket works
Each Set For Life line costs £1.50. Players pick five main numbers from 1 to 47 and one Life Ball from 1 to 10, or use a Lucky Dip for random selection. Tickets can be bought in shops, online or through the National Lottery app.
Five main numbers and one Life Ball are drawn. Matching all six wins the £10,000 a month for 30 years top prize. Matching all five main numbers wins £10,000 a month for one year. Lower-tier prizes apply for fewer matches.
How the top prize is paid
The top prize is structured as a 30-year annuity. The winner receives £10,000 a month for 30 years, totalling £3.6 million. The annuity is funded through an insurance arrangement that backs the prize.
Set For Life is the only UK lottery game that pays a top prize as an annuity. Other games pay either a single lump sum or a smaller pari-mutuel share of the prize fund.
Why an annuity rather than a lump sum
Annuity prizes provide a steady, long-term income that is less likely to be lost through poor financial decisions. Research on lottery winners suggests that large lump sums are sometimes spent or invested poorly within a few years of winning.
Winners can take independent financial advice through Allwyn, which provides access to a panel of financial advisers for winners of large lottery prizes. The advice is free and includes guidance on tax, investment and estate planning.
Where to check results and claim a prize
Results are published at national-lottery.co.uk and through the National Lottery app within minutes of each draw. The 180-day claim deadline applies.
Top prize winners attend an appointment with Allwyn to verify the ticket and set up the annuity payments. The first monthly payment typically follows within a few weeks of the ticket being validated.
Key facts
- Draws Monday and Thursday.
- Each line costs £1.50.
- Top prize £10,000 a month for 30 years.
- Total top prize value £3.6 million.
- 180 days to claim.
FAQ
How is the Set For Life top prize paid?
As an annuity of £10,000 a month for 30 years, totalling £3.6 million. The annuity is funded through an insurance arrangement that backs the prize.
When are Set For Life draws held?
Every Monday and Thursday evening. Results are published within minutes on national-lottery.co.uk and through the National Lottery app.
Can I take the top prize as a lump sum?
No, the Set For Life top prize is paid as a monthly annuity by design. Allwyn provides free access to financial advisers for winners to support tax, investment and estate planning.
How long do I have to claim a prize?
180 days from the draw date. Top prize winners attend an appointment with Allwyn to verify the ticket and set up the annuity payments.
