How to Claim Kerala Lottery Prize
Complete step-by-step guide to claiming your Kerala lottery prize. Learn about required documents, claim locations, timelines, and important procedures.
Prerequisites
- • Original winning lottery ticket (undamaged)
- • Valid government-issued photo ID
- • Must claim within 30 days of draw date
What You'll Need
Step-by-Step Instructions
Verify Your Win Immediately
First, confirm your win by checking the results on kerala-lottery-result.com and cross-verifying with the official Kerala State Lotteries website (keralalotteries.com). Make absolutely sure that: Your complete ticket serial number matches exactly (including prefix letters/numbers), The draw date is correct, The lottery scheme code is correct, and You're checking the right prize category. Take screenshots of the result for your records.
Tip
Triple-check your ticket number - many numbers are similar, so verify every single digit carefully.
Sign the Back of Your Ticket
As soon as you confirm your win, immediately sign the back of your winning ticket with your full name, phone number, and date. This proves ownership and prevents anyone else from claiming your prize if the ticket is lost or stolen. Use a pen (not pencil) for a permanent signature. Do NOT laminate, staple, or damage the ticket in any way.
Tip
Sign clearly and legibly. This signature will be verified during the claim process.
Understand the 30-Day Deadline
This is critical: ALL Kerala lottery prizes must be claimed within 30 days from the date of the draw. This deadline is strictly enforced with absolutely no exceptions or extensions. Count from the draw date, not from when you checked the result. If you miss this deadline, your prize is permanently forfeited to the state government. Mark your calendar and set multiple reminders.
Tip
Don't delay! Start the claim process immediately after winning, especially for large prizes that require more paperwork.
Gather Required Documents (Based on Prize Amount)
Required documents vary by prize amount: For prizes up to ₹5,000: Original winning ticket + Government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID). For prizes ₹5,001 to ₹1 lakh: Original ticket + Photo ID + PAN card + Bank account details (account number, IFSC code, cancelled cheque or passbook copy). For prizes above ₹1 lakh: Original ticket + Photo ID + PAN card + Bank details + Address proof (Aadhaar, utility bill, ration card) + 2-3 passport photos. All documents must be original and valid.
Tip
Make photocopies of all documents before submitting. Keep originals of your ID documents.
Determine Your Claim Location
Where you claim depends on your prize amount: Prizes up to ₹5,000: Any authorized lottery agent (same agents who sell tickets). Get cash payment immediately. Prizes ₹5,001 to ₹1 lakh: District lottery offices or Kerala State Lotteries regional offices. Payment by cheque within 1-2 weeks. Prizes above ₹1 lakh: Directorate of Kerala State Lotteries, Vikas Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram - 695033. Payment by cheque or direct bank transfer within 2-3 weeks after verification.
Tip
For large prizes, call ahead to confirm office hours and required documents: 0471-2305230
Visit the Claim Center in Person
Go to the appropriate claim location with all required documents. You must claim in person - proxy claims are not allowed (except for minors with legal guardian, or deceased winners with legal heir certificate). Dress appropriately as you may be photographed for records (especially for large prizes). Arrive during official working hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on public holidays).
Tip
For prizes above ₹1 lakh, consider visiting early in the month as offices can be busy near month-end.
Submit Your Claim Form and Documents
At the claim center: Request and fill out the official prize claim form completely and accurately. Fill in your details: name, address, phone, bank account, PAN number. Submit the form along with your original winning ticket and all required documents. The officials will verify your ticket authenticity using UV light and other security checks. They will also verify your identity documents. Answer any questions honestly and cooperatively.
Tip
Fill the form carefully in clear handwriting. Any errors can delay processing.
Complete Tax Formalities (TDS)
For prizes above ₹10,000, Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is mandatory as per Income Tax Act. Current TDS rate is 30% on lottery winnings. The lottery department will deduct TDS before paying you. You will receive: The net prize amount (after TDS deduction), and A TDS certificate (Form 16A) for income tax filing. The TDS amount can be claimed as credit when filing your income tax return. Keep the TDS certificate safely for tax purposes.
Tip
Consult a tax advisor for large prizes to understand tax implications and filing requirements.
Receive Your Prize Payment
Payment method and timeline vary by prize amount: Up to ₹5,000: Cash payment on the spot from authorized agent. ₹5,001 to ₹1 lakh: Cheque issued within 5-7 working days. Collect from claim office or receive by registered post. Above ₹1 lakh: Cheque or direct bank transfer within 15-20 working days after verification and TDS processing. You'll be notified when payment is ready. For very large prizes, you may be asked to attend a prize distribution ceremony for publicity (optional in some cases).
Tip
Keep your phone number active and check regularly for communication from the lottery office.
Bank the Cheque Promptly
If you receive a cheque: Deposit or present the cheque at your bank within the validity period (usually 3 months). Keep a copy of the deposited cheque for records. The cheque amount will be net of TDS (tax already deducted). For direct bank transfers, verify the amount received matches the net prize (prize amount minus TDS). Keep all receipts and payment confirmations.
Tip
Open a separate savings account for large prize amounts for better financial management.
Critical Points to Remember
- • 30-day deadline is absolute: No exceptions, no extensions. Start claiming immediately.
- • Original ticket is mandatory: Photocopies, photos, or damaged tickets cannot be used for claims.
- • Never share ticket publicly: Don't post photos on social media before claiming.
- • Beware of scammers: No one will contact you to claim on your behalf. Don't pay anyone to "process" your claim.
- • Tax is mandatory: 30% TDS applies to prizes above ₹10,000 - this is automatically deducted.
- • Keep records: Maintain copies of all forms, receipts, and communication for tax filing.
Quick Reference: Claim Process by Prize Amount
| Prize Amount | Claim Location | Processing Time | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹5,000 | Any authorized agent | Immediate | Cash |
| ₹5,001 - ₹1 lakh | District lottery office | 5-7 days | Cheque |
| Above ₹1 lakh | Directorate, Thiruvananthapuram | 15-20 days | Cheque/Bank Transfer |
Kerala State Lotteries Department Contact
Address: Directorate of Kerala State Lotteries, Vikas Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram - 695033, Kerala
Phone: 0471-2305230, 0471-2305193
Email: info.lotterydepartment@kerala.gov.in
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on public holidays)
Website: keralalotteries.com