HMRC Unclaimed Child Trust Funds – Free Tool to Find Yours
Millions of young adults in the UK may have money waiting for them in accounts they never knew existed. The government’s Child Trust Fund scheme, launched in 2002, created savings pots for every child born between September that year and January 2011. As of 2026, an estimated £1.5 billion remains unclaimed in matured accounts, according to HMRC and major providers like OneFamily.
If you were born in that window and are now 18 or older, you could be one of roughly 758,000 people who haven’t yet accessed their Child Trust Fund. The average pot is worth around £2,240–£2,242, but some accounts are worth considerably more. The good news: the process to find and claim it is free, straightforward, and starts with a simple online tool from HMRC.
How to Find a Lost Child Trust Fund (HMRC’s Free Tool)
| What is a CTF? | Value |
|---|---|
| What is a CTF? | A long-term savings account for children born between 1 Sep 2002 and 2 Jan 2011 |
| Initial Government Voucher | £250 (or £500 for lower-income families) |
| Unclaimed Total | Approx. £1.5 billion in matured, unclaimed funds |
| How to Find It | Use the free HMRC ‘Find a Child Trust Fund’ tool on GOV.UK |
- Over 6 million Child Trust Funds were opened; a significant portion remain unclaimed as children turn 18.
- The average CTF pot is often higher than the initial £250 due to interest, investments, and additional family contributions — some worth thousands.
- The HMRC ‘Find a Child Trust Fund’ tool is free, safe, and the only official way to locate your provider if you’ve lost track.
- Once you turn 18, you can access the money, transfer it to an adult ISA, or move it to a different CTF provider — but you must act.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scheme Start Date | September 2002 |
| Scheme End Date | January 2011 |
| Initial Government Voucher | £250 (standard) / £500 (lower income) |
| Eligibility | Born between 1 Sep 2002 and 2 Jan 2011 |
| Age of Access | 18 years old |
| Estimated Unclaimed Value | £1.5 billion |
| Official Finding Tool | GOV.UK ‘Find a Child Trust Fund’ service |
| HMRC CTF Helpline | 0300 123 1047 (charges may apply) |
How to Access Your Child Trust Fund at 18 (Online and Offline Steps)
Using the HMRC Tool
If you do not know which provider holds your CTF, visit the HMRC Find a Child Trust Fund tool. You will need your National Insurance number, full name, date of birth, and current address. HMRC will process your request and send you a letter with the provider’s details, usually within three weeks.
Contacting the Provider Directly
Once you know your provider, contact them directly to check your balance and access options. Providers like OneFamily and The Share Foundation offer their own tracing tools, but the HMRC route is the safest and free.
The HMRC tool will tell you the provider but not the balance. That information comes only from the provider after you verify your identity.
Online Access After Finding Your Provider
Most providers allow you to set up an online account or app to view balances, make withdrawals, or transfer funds. If you already know your provider, skip the HMRC tool and contact them directly.
How Much Is My Child Trust Fund Worth? (The £250 Government Voucher Explained)
The Initial £250 Voucher
Every eligible child received at least £250 from the government. Families on lower incomes received £500. These vouchers were invested in the child’s CTF and could grow through interest or investment returns.
Average and Potential Value
Reported averages from recent coverage hover around £2,240–£2,242. However, actual amounts vary widely. Some accounts are still worth the initial £250, while others with additional family contributions and strong investment performance can reach £4,000 to £6,000 or more.
How to Check Your Balance
You can only see the exact balance by contacting your provider after HMRC identifies them. No online tool gives you the balance directly.
HMRC and consumer guides warn against third-party firms that charge hundreds of pounds – sometimes £350 or 25% of the account value – to find a CTF. The free HMRC route is sufficient and safe.
Child Trust Funds are tax-free savings accounts. You will not pay tax on interest or investment growth. This is a confirmed benefit.
HMRC Child Trust Fund Contact Number and Official Support
If you need help with the finder tool or have questions, the HMRC Child Trust Fund helpline is available at 0300 123 1047. Charges may apply depending on your phone provider. You can also write to HMRC if you do not receive a response within six weeks of applying by post.
For additional tracing support, The Share Foundation offers a CTF helper partnered with HMRC. OneFamily also provides a CTF tracing guide.
Child Trust Fund Timeline: From Launch to Maturity
- – Child Trust Fund scheme launched by the UK Government.
- – Additional top-up payments introduced for certain ages.
- – Scheme closed to new entrants; replaced by Junior ISA.
- – First cohort of CTF children turn 18 and can access funds.
- – Peak maturity years; millions turn 18 each year.
- – Government launches renewed publicity drive to encourage claims.
- Ongoing – Funds remain accessible indefinitely; no expiry date for claiming.
What Do We Know for Sure About Child Trust Funds?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Uncertain |
|---|---|
| The money does not expire or get taken by the government. | The exact value of each account depends on contributions and investment performance. |
| All eligible children received at least £250; some received £500. | Some accounts are still worth only £250, while others are worth thousands. |
| CTFs are tax-free savings accounts. | The average reported figure (~£2,240) may not reflect your personal situation. |
| Children born outside the eligibility window (before Sep 2002 or after Jan 2011) do not have a CTF. | Regional differences or special circumstances (adoption, care) may add complexity. |
What Is the Background of the Child Trust Fund Scheme?
The Child Trust Fund was a Labour government initiative designed to encourage saving for children from birth. It was replaced by the Junior ISA in 2011 as a cost-saving measure. Over 6 million accounts were opened during the scheme’s lifetime. As of 2026, an estimated £1.5 billion remains unclaimed in matured accounts, meaning hundreds of thousands of young adults have money they have not accessed.
Many 18-year-olds are unaware of their CTF, lack the documentation to find it, or feel intimidated by managing their first savings account. The two-step process – first using the HMRC tool, then contacting the provider – creates friction that some users find discouraging. Providers like OneFamily and The Share Foundation have stepped in with supplementary tools, but the HMRC tool remains the primary entry point.
What Do Official Sources Say About Unclaimed Child Trust Funds?
“Use this free tool to ask HMRC to find a Child Trust Fund provider. It will not tell you how much money is in a Child Trust Fund.”
– HMRC / GOV.UK
“Could you be sitting on unclaimed money? If you were born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, you may have a Child Trust Fund ready to claim once you’re 18.”
– HMRC Facebook (April 2026)
“HMRC already provide a free ‘Find My Child Trust Fund’ service on GOV.UK to help connect savers to their CTF provider.”
– Economic Secretary to the Treasury (April 2026)
What Should You Do Now?
If you were born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 and have not yet claimed your Child Trust Fund, the first step is to visit the GOV.UK Child Trust Funds overview and use the free HMRC finder tool. After receiving your provider’s details, contact them directly to check your balance and choose how to proceed – whether that means withdrawing the money, transferring it to an adult ISA, or moving it to a different provider. The money is yours and does not expire, so there is no rush, but taking action now gives you control over your savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Child Trust Fund to a Lifetime ISA?
Yes, you can transfer your CTF to a Lifetime ISA (LISA) if you are 18 or over, but the transfer counts toward your annual LISA allowance. The government will add a 25% bonus on contributions up to £4,000 per year.
What documents do I need to find my Child Trust Fund?
You will need your National Insurance number and your date of birth. Having your old CTF certificate or paperwork helps but is not essential.
Can I manage my Child Trust Fund online?
Most providers offer online account management. Once you find your provider, you can usually register for an online account or app to view balances and make withdrawals.
What happens if I was adopted or in care?
Your CTF still belongs to you. The HMRC tool works the same way. If you need additional support, contact the HMRC CTF helpline or speak to your social worker.
Is there a time limit to claim my Child Trust Fund?
No. The money remains in the account indefinitely. There is no deadline to claim or access your funds.
What happens if the HMRC finder tool doesn’t work?
If you do not receive a response within six weeks of applying by post, you can write to HMRC. You can also call the CTF helpline at 0300 123 1047 for assistance.
Can I withdraw money from my Child Trust Fund?
Yes, once you turn 18 and after contacting your provider, you can withdraw the full amount or transfer it to another account. The decision is yours.
How do I find out which provider has my Child Trust Fund?
Use the free HMRC ‘Find a Child Trust Fund’ tool on GOV.UK. It will tell you the provider’s name, but not the balance.
What is the Government Child Trust Fund 250?
It is the initial £250 voucher the government contributed to every eligible child’s CTF when the account was opened. Some families received £500.
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