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How to Claim

If you're reading this page, it means one of two things: You've won the lottery, or you're an extremely positive thinker. Either way, congratulations are in order.

Now comes the fun part: claiming your prize. Just follow these directions and you'll be on your way.

First, sign the back of your ticket immediately. Then take it to any State Lottery Retailer for validation. If your prize is worth $599.50 or less, you can receive your winnings in cash at any State Lottery Retailer.

If your prize is over $599.50, you can claim it at your State Lottery Retailer or at State Lottery Headquarters. However, you must fill out a claim form and your winnings will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service. It takes approximately three weeks to receive a check from the State Lottery. Proper identification for tax purposes must be presented at the time of the claim.

For out of state winners, download, fill out and print the Claim Form and instructions. The NJ Lottery also suggests that you make a copy of your Claim Form and the tickets (front & back) in the rare event of a delay or loss in the mail. Staple your signed tickets to the Claim Form. Enclose the Claim Form and tickets in an envelope and mail to:

55 Technology Way,
West Greenwich, RI 02817

Tax Requirements for Lottery Prizes

The Federal Energy Policy Act of 1992, section 1942, requires the New Jersey Lottery to withhold a minimum 25 percent of all prize payments to any Lottery winner who has won more than $5,000 on any Lottery wager. At the end of the year, the winner will receive a W2-G form to properly credit the withholding as a tax payment on their federal income tax form.

Winners who do not possess a social security number are subject to a 30 percent federal income tax deduction on any prize over $599.50. Under the provisions of P.L. 2009, c.69, as of January 1, 2009, the New Jersey Lottery is required to withhold three percent State taxes from all Lottery winnings over $10,000. If you have additional questions, please consult with the Division of Taxation regarding how this will affect you.