UK Child Trust Fund Claiming Process

Child Trust Funds were government-seeded savings or investment accounts for children born between September 2002 and January 2011. Many CTFs have been forgotten and the first cohorts are now reaching 18 and gaining access to their accounts. This article covers how to find and claim them.

Finding a lost CTF

HMRC operates a free lookup service that returns the CTF provider given the child's date of birth, National Insurance number (if 16 or over), and address. Parents can use the service for under-18s; the young adult can use it themselves once they have a National Insurance number.

Account structure

CTFs can be cash or stakeholder (stocks and shares). Most CTFs received a government deposit at birth and (historically) at age seven. Some accounts have been topped up with family contributions over the years. Contribution limits apply each year up to the CTF annual limit.

Transfer to Junior ISA

A CTF can be transferred in full to a Junior ISA. JISAs typically offer broader investment choice and more competitive rates than CTFs. The transfer is performed by the new JISA provider once the transfer instruction is received.

At age 18

The CTF matures and ownership transfers to the young adult. Until they give instructions, the funds typically stay with the existing provider in a 'matured CTF' or transitional account. Options include withdrawing, transferring to a standard ISA, or moving to other accounts.

Finding a lost CTF in detail

HMRC operates a free lookup service that returns the CTF provider given the child's date of birth, National Insurance number (if 16 or over), and address. The service is accessed via GOV.UK and is free regardless of how much research is needed to find the CTF.

Parents can use the service for under-18s using their own identity verification (Government Gateway account). The young adult can use the service themselves once they reach 16 and have a National Insurance number. The NI number is sent by HMRC automatically around the 16th birthday.

The lookup typically returns the name of the original CTF provider. Some CTFs have been transferred between providers over the years; HMRC records the original provider but not subsequent transfers. The original provider can typically advise where the CTF has been transferred to if applicable.

For CTFs that cannot be found through the lookup, the most common reasons include: the CTF voucher was never invested (typical for some families on lower incomes who did not engage with the scheme); the CTF was opened with a provider that has since merged or restructured; the family changed address and lost contact with the provider.

Even unclaimed CTFs continue to exist and have value (subject to provider fees). The Reclaim Fund handles dormant accounts after a defined period; CTFs typically remain claimable from the original provider but may eventually move to the Reclaim Fund process. Time-sensitive recovery is therefore important for unclaimed CTFs.

CTF account structure in detail

CTFs can be cash or stakeholder (stocks and shares). Cash CTFs work like savings accounts with interest; stakeholder CTFs invest in a designated low-cost equity fund with a defined risk profile. The choice was typically made by the parents when the original voucher was invested; non-engaged families had vouchers automatically invested in stakeholder by HMRC.

Most CTFs received a government deposit at birth (GBP 250 standard, GBP 500 for lower-income families). Some families received a further GBP 250 at age 7 (the top-up was paid for children born between September 2002 and August 2010, but the top-up was withdrawn in 2010 for later birth dates).

Some accounts have been topped up with family contributions over the years. Annual contribution limits applied; the limit was GBP 4,260 in 2019-20. Family contributions could come from parents, grandparents, or anyone. The total contribution capacity over the CTF's life depends on the years of contribution allowed.

CTF investment performance has varied widely. Cash CTFs typically earned modest interest; stakeholder CTFs earned varying returns depending on market performance over the holding period. The total CTF value at maturity reflects the original voucher, any top-ups, contributions, and investment growth.

CTF fees vary by provider. Some providers charge no fees on stakeholder CTFs (subsidised by the government's original scheme structure); others charge annual fees that have reduced the net return. Comparing fees is part of deciding whether to transfer to a JISA for better long-term value.

Transfer to Junior ISA

A CTF can be transferred in full to a Junior ISA. JISAs typically offer broader investment choice and more competitive rates than CTFs. The JISA market has more providers and more product types (cash, stocks and shares) than the closed CTF market.

The transfer is performed by the new JISA provider once the transfer instruction is received. The parent or guardian initiates the transfer with the new provider; the new provider contacts the old CTF provider to arrange the transfer. The transfer is typically complete within 30 days.

Transferring does not affect the tax-free status of the funds; the JISA continues the same tax-free wrapper. The annual JISA contribution limit (currently GBP 9,000) applies to the JISA after transfer; CTF contribution limits no longer apply.

The transfer must be the full CTF balance; partial transfers are not allowed. Once transferred, the CTF account closes. The new JISA continues with the same beneficiary (the child).

For families considering transfer, comparing the CTF's current provider terms with the proposed JISA provider's terms is essential. Fees, investment choices, and customer service all vary. Some JISA providers offer transfer incentives.

At age 18 in detail

The CTF matures and ownership transfers to the young adult on their 18th birthday. Until they give instructions, the funds typically stay with the existing provider in a 'matured CTF' or transitional account. Many young adults are not aware of their CTF and the account remains unclaimed for years.

Options at 18: withdraw all or part of the funds for any purpose; transfer to a standard ISA (continuing the tax-free wrapper); transfer to other accounts (such as a SIPP, savings account, or investment account); leave with the existing provider in the matured CTF account.

Transferring to a standard ISA (within the annual ISA allowance) preserves the tax-free status going forward. The standard adult ISA annual limit is GBP 20,000; a CTF balance can be transferred without affecting this limit (it counts as a transfer, not a new contribution).

Withdrawing the funds in cash is permitted at any time after 18 with no tax consequence. The funds belong to the young adult and they can use them for any purpose: education costs, first home deposit, travel, or simply general spending.

Many older young adults have never accessed their CTF because they were never told about it or have lost contact with the original provider. The HMRC lookup service can help locate the account; The Share Foundation and other charities also help young adults locate forgotten CTFs.

CTFs of children in care

Special provisions apply to CTFs of children in local authority care. Local authorities can manage the CTF on behalf of the child if there is no other responsible adult. At 18, the young adult can take over the CTF themselves; for some young adults in care, additional support may be needed to navigate the process.

The Share Foundation runs the 'Stepladder of Achievement' programme that helps young people in care or who have left care access their CTFs and build the financial confidence to use the funds well. The programme provides support with the lookup process and decisions about using the funds.

For young people who lack mental capacity to manage their own affairs (such as those with learning disabilities), the Office of the Public Guardian's deputy arrangements may apply. A deputy appointed by the Court of Protection can manage the CTF on the young person's behalf.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information based on rules and figures published by UK government and regulator sources as of May 2026. It is not personal financial, legal, immigration or tax advice. Rules, fees and figures change and individual circumstances vary. Readers should check primary sources or consult a qualified, regulated adviser before acting on any information here.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a charge for the HMRC lookup?

No. The lookup is free regardless of how much research is needed. The lookup is via the GOV.UK Find a Child Trust Fund service. The parent (for under-18s) or the young adult (for 16+ with NI number) uses their Government Gateway account to access the service. The lookup typically returns the original CTF provider; some additional research may be needed if the provider has merged or transferred the CTF to another firm.

Can the parent withdraw CTF funds before the child turns 18?

No. Withdrawals are not permitted until the child reaches 18. This is by design; the CTF is intended as a long-term saving for the child's adult use. Some specific exceptions apply for terminal illness of the child but these are rare and tightly defined. For most families, the funds are locked until the child's 18th birthday.

Can a CTF and a JISA be held at the same time?

Not for the same child. Holding both requires transferring the CTF into a JISA, and from that point only the JISA exists. The transfer is one-way; a JISA cannot be converted back to a CTF (CTFs are closed to new accounts since 2011). Families with multiple children may have a CTF for older children and a JISA for younger children depending on birth dates.

What if the young adult does not claim at 18?

The provider holds the funds until claimed. Some providers eventually transfer dormant accounts to the Reclaim Fund; the funds typically remain claimable but may require more administrative steps. The young adult can claim the funds at any age; there is no time limit. Older young adults claiming their CTFs years after maturity is common.

Does the matured CTF lose its tax-free status?

The tax-free wrapper status of the matured account depends on the provider's product. Some providers convert the matured CTF to a tax-free 'matured CTF account' that continues some of the wrapper benefits. Transferring to an adult ISA preserves the tax-free status going forward more securely. Specific provider arrangements vary; checking with the provider confirms the position.

Can a CTF be transferred between providers?

Yes. CTFs can be transferred between CTF providers if the family wants different fees or investment options. The transfer process is similar to JISA transfers. Some families transferred CTFs to better-value providers over the years; others left the CTF with the original provider.

Are CTFs covered by FSCS protection?

Yes. Cash CTFs are covered up to the standard FSCS limit (GBP 85,000 per provider per person). Stakeholder CTFs are covered for investment failures up to GBP 85,000 under FSCS investment protection. The protection works the same as for adult savings and investments.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a charge for the HMRC lookup?

No. The lookup is free regardless of how much research is needed. The lookup is via the GOV.UK Find a Child Trust Fund service. The parent (for under-18s) or the young adult (for 16+ with NI number) uses their Government Gateway account to access the service. The lookup typically returns the original CTF provider; some additional research may be needed if the provider has merged or transferred the CTF to another firm.

Can the parent withdraw CTF funds before the child turns 18?

No. Withdrawals are not permitted until the child reaches 18. This is by design; the CTF is intended as a long-term saving for the child's adult use. Some specific exceptions apply for terminal illness of the child but these are rare and tightly defined. For most families, the funds are locked until the child's 18th birthday.

Can a CTF and a JISA be held at the same time?

Not for the same child. Holding both requires transferring the CTF into a JISA, and from that point only the JISA exists. The transfer is one-way; a JISA cannot be converted back to a CTF (CTFs are closed to new accounts since 2011). Families with multiple children may have a CTF for older children and a JISA for younger children depending on birth dates.

What if the young adult does not claim at 18?

The provider holds the funds until claimed. Some providers eventually transfer dormant accounts to the Reclaim Fund; the funds typically remain claimable but may require more administrative steps. The young adult can claim the funds at any age; there is no time limit. Older young adults claiming their CTFs years after maturity is common.

Does the matured CTF lose its tax-free status?

The tax-free wrapper status of the matured account depends on the provider's product. Some providers convert the matured CTF to a tax-free 'matured CTF account' that continues some of the wrapper benefits. Transferring to an adult ISA preserves the tax-free status going forward more securely. Specific provider arrangements vary; checking with the provider confirms the position.

Can a CTF be transferred between providers?

Yes. CTFs can be transferred between CTF providers if the family wants different fees or investment options. The transfer process is similar to JISA transfers. Some families transferred CTFs to better-value providers over the years; others left the CTF with the original provider.

Are CTFs covered by FSCS protection?

Yes. Cash CTFs are covered up to the standard FSCS limit (GBP 85,000 per provider per person). Stakeholder CTFs are covered for investment failures up to GBP 85,000 under FSCS investment protection. The protection works the same as for adult savings and investments.