Set For Life is a UK National Lottery draw game that pays its top prizes in monthly instalments, instead of a one-off lump sum.
This blog explains how the prize tiers work, including what happens if you only match two numbers. We’ll look at the full breakdown of potential prizes, how much you could receive depending on your ticket, and the rules if there are multiple winners. We’ll also cover how payments are typically made, tax implications, and ways to keep play sensible. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the structure and rules of Set For Life.
What Are the Set For Life Prizes?
In each draw, five main numbers are drawn from 1 to 47, plus one Life Ball from 1 to 10. Your potential prize depends on how many of these numbers you successfully match.
There are eight prize tiers. The top two are paid as monthly instalments: £10,000 a month for 30 years if you match five main numbers plus the Life Ball, or £10,000 a month for one year if you match all five main numbers without the Life Ball.
The other six tiers are fixed one-off amounts ranging from £250, down to £5.
Do You Get Anything for 2 Numbers on Set For Life?
Yes. Matching two main numbers wins £5. If those same two numbers appear along with the Life Ball, the prize increases to £10.
This is the minimum requirement for a possible payout. One main number, with or without the Life Ball, does not qualify for any prize.
How Many Numbers Do You Need to Win a Prize?
You need at least two main numbers. From there, prizes increase as more numbers are matched, with the highest tiers reserved for matching five numbers, with or without the Life Ball.
Each combination falls into one of the eight prize tiers set by the official rules. No other combinations result in a win.
Set For Life Prize Breakdown by Matching Numbers
Here is the full prize structure for the UK’s Set For Life lottery:
- 5 main numbers + Life Ball: £10,000 every month for 30 years
- 5 main numbers: £10,000 every month for 1 year
- 4 main numbers + Life Ball: £250
- 4 main numbers: £50
- 3 main numbers + Life Ball: £30
- 3 main numbers: £20
- 2 main numbers + Life Ball: £10
- 2 main numbers: £5
How Much Can You Win on Set For Life?
The maximum prize is £10,000 per month for 30 years. The second-highest prize is £10,000 per month for 12 months.
All other prizes are single payments. For example, four numbers plus the Life Ball pays £250, while three main numbers pay £20.
The chance of winning the jackpot (five numbers plus the Life Ball) is about 1 in 15,339,390. Each entry has the same probability, and all draws are random.
What Happens if More Than One Person Wins the Top Prize?
If more than one ticket matches all five main numbers plus the Life Ball in a single draw, normally each winning entry is entitled to receive the full top prize of £10,000 per month for 30 years, provided that total payments do not exceed the prize cap.
The rules set a prize cap of £16 million for the top tier. If the number of jackpot winners is so high that paying each the full prize would exceed this amount, a capped prize may be used. In that event, the £16 million is divided equally among all winning entries.
Taxes and Payment Rules for Set For Life Winnings
Winnings from the UK National Lottery are tax-free, so you receive the full amount stated for your prize tier.
Monthly prizes are paid directly into a bank account for the specified period, while lower-tier prizes are one-off payments. Payments usually fall on the same calendar date each month, though this can vary if the date lands on a weekend or bank holiday.
Prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw. Any interest you earn after banking your winnings is treated as savings and may be taxable under normal rules.
How to Play Set For Life Responsibly
Set For Life is a game of chance. The numbers are drawn at random, so there is no system or method that can affect the outcome. Every line entered has exactly the same odds.
If you choose to play, keeping it manageable is important. You might find it helpful to:
- Decide on an amount that feels affordable before entering.
- Only spend money that is not needed for everyday living costs.
- Take a break if you notice yourself playing more often than you planned.
If you would like extra guidance or someone to talk to about your play, independent support services are available.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.