If you were born between 1st September 2002 and 2nd January 2011, you likely have a Child Trust Fund in your name. This was a government scheme designed to give young people a financial head start. However, many people find themselves asking, “How do I find my Child Trust Fund?” or “Where is my Child’s Trust Fund held?”
This guide will show you how to track down a Child Trust Fund and what you can do with the money going forward.
What is a Child Trust Fund?
A Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a long-term, tax-free savings account. The UK government set them up for children born between 2002 and 2011. The goal was to make sure every child had savings when they turned 18.
While the scheme is now closed to new accounts, there are still hundreds of active funds. These accounts are held by banks, building societies, or investment firms. The money belongs to you and is protected until you are ready to use it.
You can learn more on the GOV.UK Child Trust Fund overview.
Who was eligible for a Child Trust Fund?
Your child, or you, would have been eligible for a CTF if:
- The birth date falls between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011.
- Child Benefit was being claimed for the child.
When this initiative started, the government issued vouchers of up to £250 (or £500 for lower-income families). Parents could use this voucher to open an account with a provider of their choice.
If the parents did not open an account within a year, the government opened one automatically for the child. This is why many people are now unsure where their money is held.
How do I know if I have a Child Trust Fund?
If you are unsure whether you have an account, start with these checks:
- Were you (or your child) born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011?
- Look for old paperwork or letters from banks or providers like OneFamily, Foresters, or various building societies.
- If the account is yours, ask your parents. They may have received a voucher in the post when you were a baby.
If you have no record of an account but meet the age criteria, the money may be in an account opened by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
How can I find my Child Trust Fund?
Tracing a lost fund is straightforward using the official HMRC service.
Here is how to do it:
- Go to the official UK: Find a Child Trust Fund .
- You will need a Government Gateway user ID and password. If you do not have one yet, you can create one.
- Fill in the form with your personal details. HMRC will then search their records to see which provider holds the account.
- Wait for a response. HMRC will usually write to you within three weeks with the name and contact details of your provider.
What information do I need to find my Child Trust Fund?
To make the search as quick as possible, have these details ready:
- Full name and current address.
- Date of birth.
- National Insurance number: If you are 16 or older, you can find this on your NI card, a payslip, or via your personal tax account.
If the child is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must search for the fund. Once the child turns 18, they must claim or manage the fund themselves as the legal owner.
What happens once I find my Child Trust Fund?
Once you know who your provider is, you can contact them directly. They will tell you how much the fund is worth and how it is invested.
If the child is under 18, the fund can be moved to a different provider or transferred to a Junior ISA. At age 18, the account “matures.” The money can be withdrawn, moved into an adult ISA, or reinvested by the child.
If you don’t do anything when you turn 18, the provider will often move the money into a “matured CTF” account or an ISA, so it stays tax-free until you decide what to do.
Can I transfer a Child Trust Fund to a Junior ISA?
Yes, you can transfer a child trust fund to a Junior ISA at any time. Many parents choose to do this because Junior ISAs often offer more investment options or better potential for growth.
By transferring to a Shepherds Friendly Junior ISA, you can manage your savings easily online. It remains tax-free, and you can save up to the annual ISA limit. This is a popular way to refresh an old account that may not have been looked at for years. When you invest, your capital is at risk.
What if I’ve lost access to my Child Trust Fund?
Don’t worry if you have lost your account details or the provider has changed names. The money is legally yours and cannot be taken away.
If the tracing service doesn’t work or you are stuck, contact banks you have used in the past. Many high-street banks were CTF providers.
If you think your CTF is with us and need further guidance, our help and support section is there for you .
Are Child Trust Funds still available for new accounts?
The Child Trust Fund scheme closed to new accounts in January 2011 and was replaced by the Junior ISA.
A Junior ISA is a tax-efficient savings account for children. If your child was born after January 2011, or if you want to move away from a CTF, a Junior ISA is the current way to save for their future.
Summary: Key points to remember
- Only people born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 are eligible for a CTF.
- Using HMRC’s free tracing service is the best way to find an account.
- Your savings remain tax-free even if you transfer them to a Junior ISA.
- Money can only be withdrawn once the child turns 18.
For more answers, visit our Child Trust Fund FAQs.
Need more help? Visit the Shepherds Friendly help and support page to get in touch.
This article is for information only and does not constitute financial advice. If you are unsure, speak to a professional.
