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A Powerball ticket worth $150,000 will soon expire in Pennsylvania. The ticket was sold in Lycoming County for the December 11, 2023, draw. The winner has just over a month left to claim their prize before it's gone forever.
The unclaimed winning ticket was sold by Weis Markets, 2186 State Route 54, Montgomery. The ticket matched four of the five white balls drawn, 1-24-27-31-62, and the red Powerball 20 to win $150,000, less applicable withholding. The winner also opted for the $1 Power Play option, which multiplied their prize by three, boosting the winnings to $150,000. Without the Power Play, the ticket would have been worth the base prize of $50,000.
The clock is ticking. Players have until December 11, 2024, to claim this prize. After that, the money will go to programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians. If you bought a Powerball ticket in Lycoming County late last year, check your tickets. You could be sitting on a small fortune.
Why do lottery prizes go unclaimed?
It's a mystery why some lottery prizes go unclaimed. Sometimes the winner simply doesn't realize they won. Other times, a winner may lose their ticket or forget to check it. And in a small number of cases, the winner may choose not to claim the prize for personal reasons.
Whatever the reason, unclaimed lottery prizes are a windfall for the state. In Pennsylvania, that money goes directly to programs that help older residents, including property tax and rent rebates, transportation, prescription assistance, and senior centers.
In a way, unclaimed prizes end up benefiting the whole community. But of course, it's always better for the individual winner to claim their prize. A $150,000 windfall can make a huge difference in someone's life.
How to claim a Pennsylvania Lottery prize
Claiming a Pennsylvania Lottery prize is fairly straightforward. For prizes of $600.01 or more, you'll need to fill out a claim form and submit it along with your winning ticket.
You can claim your prize by mail or in person at a claim center. If you live out of state, you can still claim your prize - the Pennsylvania Lottery can only pay out on tickets it has sold, but you don't need to be a Pennsylvania resident.
The state lottery also allows group claims for prizes of $5,000 or more, as long as each member's share is at least $500. So, if you bought a ticket as part of an office pool, you can still claim your winnings.
Just remember, lottery prizes are taxable. The Lottery will withhold state and federal taxes before sending you your prize check. You'll receive a W-2G tax form to include with your tax return.
Don't wait until the last minute
With just over a month left to claim this $150,000 Powerball prize, time is running out. The Pennsylvania Lottery urges all players to check their tickets regularly.
If you happen to have that winning ticket, don't delay. Sign it immediately to prove ownership, then claim it before the deadline. This is serious money that could make a real difference in someone's life.
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