Gov. Gavin Newsom is set to hold the grand prize drawing of California’s Vax for the Win lottery Tuesday as the state fully reopens its economy.
Ten people will be picked for the grand prize of $1.5 million each.
To be eligible, you must be at least 12 years of age and have received at least your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Prize money will be paid once you have completed your vaccination series.
As of Monday, nearly 19 million people were fully vaccinated in California. Close to 4 million people were partially vaccinated, according to the state’s vaccine progress dashboard.
Newsom announced the Vax for the Win program last month as a way to incentivize Californians to get inoculated.
There were two Fridays — June 4 and June 11 — where 15 people were picked to receive cash prizes of $50,000. California has also been doling out gift cards to residents who get the vaccine and on Monday announced another vaccine incentive in the form of travel packages.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about California’s vaccine lottery:
Who is not eligible for California’s COVID-19 vaccine lottery?
Incarcerated people and those who live out of state are not eligible.
How will winners be notified?
The California Department of Public Health will notify people who win the cash prizes.
Will the winners’ names be made public?
Names will not be announced during the drawings. Winners will get the chance to either decline having their name be made public or decline the prize altogether.
How will the cash prize be disbursed?
The State Controller’s Office will handle disbursements. If the winner owes any back taxes, child support payments or liens, that could affect how much you receive.
Does U.S. citizenship impact eligibility?
State officials said immigration status does not affect eligibility for the prizes.
What are the $50 cash cards for those planning on getting the vaccine?
Starting May 27, the first 2 million eligible Californians to start and complete their vaccination series can receive a card of their choice:
- A $50 virtual card (which can be spent online, in-store where major debit cards are accepted, or added to a mobile wallet to be used to shop in-stores that accept mobile wallets),
- Or a $50 grocery gift card from Kroger (which includes Ralphs, Food 4 Less and Foods Co.),
- Or a $50 grocery gift card from Albertsons (which includes Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Andronico’s Community Markets).
You can receive these cash cards if you live in the state, are at least 12 years of age and get vaccinated starting on or after May 27.
Again, incarcerated people and those out of state cannot receive cash cards.
This card program only lasts until the first 2 million people start or complete the process. Californians who are already fully vaccinated are NOT eligible for the cash cards program.
It can take up to five business days to receive the cash card.
If you do not have a mobile phone, email address or permanent address, you can call 1-833-993-3873 to receive a physical card. But the state says you should wait 7-10 days after your vaccination before calling.
How is the prize money being paid for?
The money will initially be coming from California’s general fund. The state expects, however, to get some of that back from federal COVID-19 relief funding.
Where can I learn more information about the COVID-19 vaccine prize money?
The state’s Vax for the Win website has more information about the $15 million in prizes, $50,000 Fridays and $50 cards.
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