We have all dreamed about winning the big one, but have you ever wondered what would happen IF you were lucky enough to win the EuroMillions – and how long it takes to receive your prize?
EuroMillions has a total of 13 prize tiers and the claims procedure varies according to whether your ticket was purchased online or from an authorised retailer.
Smaller prizes of upto £100 can be claimed from any retailers or upto £500 from affiliated Post Offices or if your ticket was purchased online or via the app, prizes upto £500 will be paid into your online lottery account.
If you were able to match those five main numbers and the two lucky stars and bag yourself a big EuroMillions jackpot, or more likely any prize over £500, there are a few processes you need to go through first before you get access to your winnings.
How long do you have to claim?
UK players have 180 days from the date of the lottery draw to claim your EuroMillions prize.
Winners should ensure their ticket is kept safe until the claim process is underway, when lottery officials will conduct rigorous security checks to validate your claim.
What if I lose my ticket!
If you do lose your ticket, it may still be possible to claim your prize, but you must make contact with the National Lottery within 30 days of the draw.
Starting the claims process
To begin the claims process, winners need to phone the National Lottery Customer Care Team on 0333 234 44 33 (if you bought your ticket online), or 0333 234 50 50 (if you played in-store).
The claims team will then ask you for specific information about yourself and your ticket, after which they will confirm on the phone that the details provided are correct and you are the winner.
A validation appointment will then be arranged at a time and place that suits you.
The validation appointment
If you win any prize over £50,000, you will need to meet with National Lottery advisors in person to be able to claim the prize.
Winners will need to provide two forms of identification, such as a passport and driving licence, as well as your signed winning ticket.
Receiving your winnings
The claims advisors will recommend that winners open a private bank account to receive their prize money.
Once your claim has been validated and the bank account is set up, the money will be transferred within 48 hours.
The advisors will still be on hand to offer advice, but from this point on the money is yours to do with as you wish.
Do you have to make your win public?
In the UK, you can choose to make your win public or keep it anonymous. At your validation appointment you will be asked how many people you have told about your win, as this may help to make your decision about anonymity.
According to the National Lottery, only around 10 per cent of big winners choose to announce it.
If you did opt to announce your win publicly you will have various media obligations that need to be fulfilled, including a winner’s ceremony, revealing your name and also what your plans are for the money.
Tax implications
Although lottery winnings are paid tax free, any interest you receive on your winnings will be subject to income tax.
Should you decide to gift some of your money to others, they could have tax implications further down the line so it is always best to seek professional advice.
