Could you or your teen have a Child Trust Fund waiting?

Could you or your teen have a Child Trust Fund waiting?

A Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a savings or investment account that the UK government set up for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. The government initially contributed money to the account, and families could add to it over time. Many CTFs are still unclaimed, and the average balance is over £2,000.

If you were born in that period—or have children in that age range—there’s a chance a CTF exists in your or your child’s name.

How to Check for a CTF (Free & Easy)

Parents and teens aged 16+ can check using HMRC’s official tool:

1. Sign in with either:
   • Government Gateway ID – a 12-digit number plus password. If you don’t have one, you can register in minutes with an email and mobile number. Forgot your ID or password? HMRC has recovery links.
   • GOV.UK One Login – gradually replacing Government Gateway.
2. Enter the details of yourself or your child: name, date of birth, address, phone number, and National Insurance number.
3. Wait for HMRC – within three weeks, they’ll tell you which provider holds the account. If they need more info, they’ll contact you by phone or post.
4. Contact the provider to access the account.

You do not need to pay a claims firm. Some companies charge hundreds to trace accounts, but following these steps is completely free.

Important Notes

• If you’re 16+, you can do this yourself, though funds can only be accessed when you turn 18.
• Parents of children under 16 can trace the account for their kids. You may need the child’s unique reference number or National Insurance number. If not, you can apply by post.

Checking is quick, free, and could uncover a nice savings boost—so it’s worth seeing if you’re eligible today.