Set for Life takes a different approach to national lottery games. Instead of a one-off windfall, the headline prize is delivered in another format—one that plays out over time rather than arriving all at once.
This blog post sets out how the results work, how prizes are structured, the number combinations required for each tier, and how payouts are handled in practical terms. It also outlines the key odds, what happens if more than one person matches the same winning numbers, and details about draw days.
Read on to unpack how the game is organised.
How Does the Set for Life Prize Breakdown Work?
Set for Life follows a fixed structure. Prizes are awarded based on how many of the drawn numbers match those on your entry, and which parts of the number pool they come from.
The top prize doesn’t follow the usual lump-sum format seen in some other games. A similar format applies to the second tier as well, although on a smaller scale. Further down the prize table, the rewards are handled differently.
Each prize tier is tied to a specific combination of numbers, and these don’t shift from draw to draw. That structure is maintained according to the game’s official terms.
If you’re thinking about entering, you might want to know which combinations lead to each tier.
Set For Life Winning Combinations Explained
How Many Numbers Do You Need to Win Set for Life?
Each entry is made up of six numbers. You select five main numbers from a wider set, and one additional number from a smaller pool.
To reach the highest tier, the five main numbers and the separate additional number must all match those drawn. If just the five main numbers match—but not the extra one—you’d be placed in the next tier down. Further combinations of fewer numbers, with or without the additional number, correspond to other prize levels.
The number of matches and their type, whether main or otherwise, determine the tier you fall into.
What Are the Main Numbers and Life Ball?
The five main numbers are drawn from 1 to 47 and form the core of your entry. The sixth number, known as the Life Ball, comes from a separate pool of 1 to 10 and adds an extra layer to the matching process.
The Life Ball doesn't substitute a missing main number. Instead, it's an extra element required for certain combinations. For example, three main numbers alone sit in one prize tier, while the same three main numbers with the Life Ball fall into a higher one.
At the top, a complete match—five main numbers plus the Life Ball—lands the highest tier. Just below that: the same five main numbers, but without the Life Ball.
Once the combinations are clear, it’s worth seeing how prizes tied to them are actually delivered.
How Are Set for Life Prizes Paid Out?
Rather than a single payout, the headline prize is paid in regular, equal monthly instalments over a defined timeframe. The second tier uses the same format, though over a shorter span. The remaining prizes are awarded as single cash payments.
For entries that qualify for these smaller tiers, the payment is usually straightforward: credited directly if purchased online, or paid by the retailer. Larger prizes involve further verification, such as identity checks and claim appointments.
The National Lottery outlines the process for all prize levels, so if your entry does match a winning combination, it’s worth checking their latest steps and timelines before proceeding.
With the payout structure now covered, attention turns to the chances of reaching each tier.
Set for Life Odds and Payout Tiers
Each combination has a fixed likelihood of being drawn, and the game sets these odds in advance. Matching five main numbers plus the Life Ball—the combination required for the top prize—has a likelihood of 1 in 15,339,390. Matching the same five main numbers but not the Life Ball comes in at 1 in 1,704,377.
Lower tiers are more frequently hit because they require fewer matching numbers. For instance, two main numbers plus the Life Ball is among the simpler combinations to match and still qualifies for a prize.
Each tier comes with a set payout amount, and this does not change based on how many entries are submitted. The full breakdown is published and maintained by The National Lottery:
- Match 5 main numbers + Life Ball:
- Prize: £10,000 every month for 30 years
- Odds: 1 in 15,339,390
- Match 5 main numbers:
- Prize: £10,000 every month for 1 year
- Odds: 1 in 1,704,377
- Match 4 main numbers + Life Ball:
- Prize: £250
- Odds: 1 in 73,045
- Match 4 main numbers:
- Prize: £50
- Odds: 1 in 8,116
- Match 3 main numbers + Life Ball:
- Prize: £30
- Odds: 1 in 1,782
- Match 3 main numbers:
- Prize: £20
- Odds: 1 in 198
- Match 2 main numbers + Life Ball:
- Prize: £10
- Odds: 1 in 134
- Match 2 main numbers:
- Prize: £5
- Odds: 1 in 15
If more than one person matches the same winning combination, the game includes rules for how payouts are allocated.
What Happens If Multiple People Win the Top Prize?
In draws where more than one entry matches the top-prize combination, a maximum overall amount is applied to that tier. This ensures that the structure remains consistent.
If this cap is reached, all eligible winners receive equal shares. The monthly amount paid to each winner may be adjusted, but the number of payments remains the same. A similar approach applies to the second prize tier if needed, using the same allocation method.
This structure is built into the rules and helps keep the game operating according to its advertised format.
With these key points outlined, let’s turn to how the draw itself works and how entries are made.
Set for Life Draw Days and Entry Details
Set for Life draws are held twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays, typically in the evening. Results are released shortly after.
To enter, you choose five main numbers from 1 to 47 and one Life Ball from 1 to 10. Entries can be made via official online platforms, through mobile apps, or at licensed retail locations in the UK. Each line you submit counts as one entry in that specific draw and is priced at the standard rate set by The National Lottery.
There’s a deadline for buying tickets on draw days. Entry options and timings can occasionally change, so checking the latest details is a good idea before entering.
If you do choose to take part, keep your spending within your own limits and review the official rules first. Understanding how the number combinations, prize tiers, and draw process work will help make sense of the results and how each line aligns with them.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game 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.