For families across the UK, thousands of pounds may be waiting to be claimed. And here’s how to find it.
Child Trust Funds (CTFs) were introduced in 2005 as a way to give every child a financial head start when they turned 18. The government provided vouchers to open accounts, and parents could top them up over the years.
But many accounts were set up automatically because parents didn’t choose a provider, and now, millions of young adults and families have lost track of where those accounts are.
If you’re a parent trying to help your teenager locate their fund, or you’re an eighteen-plus young adult looking to claim your money, the good news is that it’s usually simple to track down.
What Is a Child Trust Fund?
CTFs were available to children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. Each eligible child received:
A government voucher worth £250–£500 (depending on income and the year)
A tax-free savings or investment account that matures at age 18
The option for family and friends to make additional contributions
Over six million accounts were opened, many automatically by HMRC, so it’s no surprise that some families don’t know where the fund ended up, or even that it existed in the first place.
Why So Many Accounts Are “Missing”
There are several reasons these accounts become misplaced:
Parents moved home and didn’t update their address
The account was opened automatically by HMRC
Paperwork was lost over time
Children turned 18 without realising money was waiting for them
It’s estimated that in excess of a staggering £1 billion is still sitting unclaimed.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find a Lost Child Trust Fund
1. Check Any Old Paperwork
If you still have the original voucher or account documents, they will state the provider. Contacting them directly is the quickest route.
2. Use the Official HMRC CTF Tracing Service
If you don’t know which provider holds the money, HMRC can tell you.
You’ll need:
A Government Gateway account
Your National Insurance number (or your child’s if you’re the parent)
Your date of birth
HMRC will then tell you which bank, building society or investment provider holds the account.
Parents can use the service for children under 18. Young adults aged 18+ must contact HMRC themselves.
3. Contact the Provider Once You Know Who Holds the Account
When HMRC confirms the provider, you can request:
The balance
How to access the money
Whether the account is in shares or cash
Instructions for transferring or withdrawing
If you’ve just turned 18, you’ll be asked for identification to release funds.
4. If the Child Has Lost Their National Insurance Number
This is common at 16–18. You can:
Find it on payslips, student loan documents, or benefit letters
Request a reminder through GOV.UK
Without a National Insurance number, HMRC won’t reveal details.
What Happens to the Money at 18?
Once the account matures, the money transfers into an adult ISA unless the young person withdraws or reinvests it. The funds do not disappear, and they continue earning interest.
How Much Could Be Waiting?
Balances vary widely, depending on contributions and investment performance. Many funds are worth between £500 and £2,000, but some are significantly higher, especially if family members topped them up or the account was investment-based.
Useful Tips for a Smooth Claim
Encourage your teenager to set up a Government Gateway account early.
Keep ID documents handy (passport, driving licence or birth certificate).
Check for multiple accounts. Some children have two if their parents opened an initial one and HMRC opened another.
Beware of unofficial tracing services. The HMRC tool is free and the only official method.
https://www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds/find-a-child-trust-fund
These two subsequent sites will also be of assistance:-
https://findctf.sharefound.org
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/blog/young-people/how-to-find-lost-child-trust-funds?
For families across the UK, unclaimed Child Trust Funds could offer a welcome boost—whether it’s for university, driving lessons, a first rental deposit, or savings. Tracking down the account is straightforward, and most people recover their details within a couple of weeks.
If you or your child were born during the CTF years, it’s absolutely worth checking. A little detective work today could uncover a long-forgotten financial gift waiting to be used.
Key Figures (2024–2025)
As of 5 April 2025, there were about 758,000 matured CTF accounts that remain unclaimed by their owners (usually people aged 18–23).
The average value of these unclaimed funds is roughly £2,242.
Combined, the total value of unclaimed (and some yet-to-mature) CTFs is estimated to be around £1.5 billion — though different sources give slightly different totals depending on whether they include unmatured accounts.
Of those unclaimed, more than 27,000 accounts are believed to have balances exceeding £10,000.
This could make a very welcome Christmas present for 758,000 young people. You really do need to check this situation out. Because, as has been said in a different context "It Could Be You!"
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