Lottery prizes and gambling wins

Lottery, Bonus Bonds, and Lotto prizes, race and totalisator (TAB) winnings, or other gambling winnings are not chargeable income for benefit purposes, unless the client is running some sort of betting scheme.

However, any income, such as interest, received from the investment of winnings or prizes is chargeable income.

Funds retained from prize money or proceeds from the sale or disposal of prizes received are considered as a cash asset and may affect entitlement to extra help such as Accommodation Supplement, Temporary Additional Support, Special Needs Grants or Advances.

If the winnings or part of the winnings are given away, for example to relatives, or invested in Bonus Bonds, consider deprivation of property.

When winnings are paid periodically, please contact Helpline.