The National Lottery is urgently appealing to the public to check their tickets, as a massive £3.6 million Set For Life prize remains unclaimed, with the clock ticking toward a fast-approaching April deadline.
The ticket in question was bought in Sevenoaks, Kent, and it matched all the winning numbers in the Set For Life draw held in October 2024. The prize entitles the holder to £10,000 every month for 30 years—a total of £3.6 million in guaranteed tax-free payments.
Despite multiple attempts to reach the potential winner, no one has come forward, and only weeks remain before the claim window closes.
Deadline Looms: What Happens If the Prize Isn’t Claimed?
According to National Lottery rules, winners have 180 days (approximately six months) from the date of the draw to claim their prize. If no valid claim is made within that timeframe, the prize money—and any interest it has accrued—will be donated to National Lottery-funded community and charity projects across the UK.
The final deadline to claim the prize is expected to fall sometime in April 2025, meaning the winner has just one month left.
Camelot, the operator of The National Lottery at the time of the draw, emphasized the urgency:
“We’re desperate to find this mystery ticket-holder and unite them with their winnings. This life-changing sum could transform someone’s future forever.”
Where Was the Ticket Bought?
The winning ticket was purchased in the Sevenoaks area of Kent, though exact details about the shop or whether it was a paper or digital ticket haven’t been disclosed for security reasons. The winning combination was drawn as part of the popular Set For Life game, which is known for its unique prize structure offering monthly payments instead of lump sums.
To learn more about the Set For Life draw and current unclaimed prizes, visit the official National Lottery website.
How to Check If You’re the Winner
Lottery officials are urging players to search old coat pockets, wallets, purses, and drawers, especially if they were in or around Sevenoaks in October. For players who use physical tickets, it’s especially important to check any old slips before they expire.
If you think you might have the winning ticket, here’s how to verify:
- Check your numbers on the official results page.
- Use the National Lottery app to scan your ticket barcode.
- Contact the National Lottery’s customer support line directly: 0333 234 44 33.
Winners can also claim prizes by post, by calling the helpline, or visiting a National Lottery regional center. Information about how to claim can be found here.
What Happens to Unclaimed Prizes?
Historically, millions of pounds in unclaimed lottery prizes are redirected to fund good causes, including arts, education, environmental, health, heritage, sports, and community projects. In fact, the National Lottery has donated over £47 billion to charitable causes since its inception in 1994.
The largest unclaimed UK lottery win was a £63.8 million EuroMillions ticket purchased in 2012 in the Stevenage or Hitchin area of Hertfordshire—the winner never came forward.
You can explore how National Lottery funds are used in your area on the National Lottery Good Causes portal.
Public Awareness Campaign Underway
To avoid history repeating itself, the National Lottery has launched a renewed awareness campaign, urging everyone to double-check their tickets and spread the word.
Local outlets, social media platforms, and in-store posters across Kent and beyond are being utilized to remind players of the ticking deadline.
If you live in or passed through Sevenoaks in October 2024, take a moment to revisit any old lottery purchases—it could be the best decision of your life.
Stay Safe and Get Notified
For future protection against lost or forgotten winnings:
- Play online or via the app to receive automatic win notifications.
- Register your tickets if you buy in-store.
- Keep tickets in a safe and visible place until the draw occurs.
To read more about responsible gambling and player support, visit BeGambleAware or Gambling Commission UK.
Conclusion
With £3.6 million on the line and one month left to claim, this is a rare moment where checking your ticket might change your life forever. Whether it’s tucked in a forgotten drawer or sitting in a wallet, now is the time to search—because once the deadline passes, the dream is gone.
Have you checked your numbers yet?
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
