Weymouth resident Joseph Hennessy is trading scratch tickets for a serious payday after his Lucky for Life ticket hit big in the Feb. 12 drawing. His ticket matched the first five numbers, qualifying him for a $25,000‑a‑year‑for‑life prize. Instead of annual checks, Hennessy went straight for the lump sum, claiming a $390,000 cash payout before taxes at Massachusetts State Lottery headquarters in Dorchester.
The win did not come from some obscure corner store. Hennessy bought the lucky ticket at Winners Corner in North Andover, then headed to Lottery headquarters this week to make it official. As Boston 25 News reported, he matched the first five numbers in the Feb. 12 draw, chose the lump‑sum option and walked away with $390,000 before taxes. That $390,000 cash alternative for the $25,000‑a‑year prize is the standard cash option for the game, according to the Lucky for Life rules published by the CT Lottery.
Winner plans to help family
Hennessy is not talking about sports cars or tropical islands. He told lottery officials he plans to use the windfall to help his family, according to a statement from the Lottery cited by Fall River Reporter. At the Dorchester headquarters, staff typically walk winners through claim forms, tax paperwork and payment options so the shock of winning does not turn into a paperwork nightmare.
Lucky for Life is being retired this weekend
Hennessy’s timing is pretty sharp, because Lucky for Life is about to exit the stage. The game’s final drawing is set for Saturday, Feb. 21, and a new multi‑state draw called Millionaire for Life is scheduled to launch on Sunday, Feb. 22. Lottery Post notes the new game will feature a $1 million‑a‑year top prize and a $100,000‑a‑year second prize, with tickets priced at $5 and updated odds and payout guarantees managed by the Multi‑State Lottery Association.
Where the ticket was sold
Hennessy’s ticket came from Winners Corner in North Andover, which lists its Massachusetts location at 2302 Turnpike Street on its website (Winners Corner). The shop has been connected to several big recent payouts, including a $2 million Powerball winner covered by Boston 25 News, and retailers that sell winning tickets may receive a bonus under Lottery rules.
For anyone still holding Lucky for Life slips at home, there is a clock on collecting. Massachusetts winners generally have one year from the drawing date to claim Lucky for Life prizes, and larger wins must be processed at Lottery headquarters. Players are advised to check with the Massachusetts State Lottery for exact deadlines and instructions. For a quick overview of the game’s final dates and what will change when Millionaire for Life rolls out, Boston.com has a concise rundown.
