We’ll help you locate lost savings using the official hmrc child trust fund finder. If someone was born in the UK between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, there is a good chance they have an account. This online service is free and run by the government.
We explain what the tool does and why it is the safest first step. It will tell you who holds the account, but it will not show the balance. That means the journey is simple: find it, confirm it, contact them, take control.
We will also show when the process differs for other products such as Junior ISAs. Our step-by-step layout lets you skip to your stage — checking eligibility, gathering details, submitting the request, then accessing the money.
For more detail, see our Child Trust Fund guide which walks through each stage and answers common questions.
Key Takeaways
- The official service is free and provided by the government.
- High eligibility for births from Sep 2002 to Jan 2011.
- The tool locates the provider but not the account balance.
- We recommend the practical route: find, confirm, contact, control.
- Different rules apply for Junior ISAs; follow the guide for details.
Check whether a Child Trust Fund exists and who can make a request
A quick date check will tell you whether an account is likely to exist. If the person was born between September 2002 and January 2011, they commonly have a CTF set up by the government.
There are two routes to request provider details. The young person can ask once they are 16 or over. Alternatively, a parent legal guardian may act for anyone under 18.
Be clear about who counts as a legal guardian. This means someone with legal responsibility, not just a helper. The right person must make the request so HMRC can release information.
- What the service gives: provider name and contact details only.
- What it won’t give: account balance, investment performance, or access to money.
- If the product is a Junior ISA, the finder will not locate it — contact providers directly.
| Criteria | Who can request | Result returned |
|---|---|---|
| Born Sep 2002–Jan 2011 | Person aged 16+ or parent/legal guardian | Provider name & contact |
| Born outside dates | Not usually eligible | No match via service |
| Product is Junior ISA | Any parent or adult | Not found by tool — contact providers |
If you think you might have a CTF, follow the quick steps here to avoid wasted paperwork. For full guidance on next steps, see our guide to finding a trust fund.
What you need before you start the HMRC search
Before you start the online search, gather a few key documents so the request runs smoothly.
National Insurance number: arrival and if you can’t find it
You’ll be asked for the national insurance number. It usually arrives around age 16 in a letter.
If you cannot find the number, contact HMRC to get help. Keep the letter or any paperwork with the number close when you use the government gateway.
Identity and supporting details
Have at least one photo ID ready. This might be a UK passport or a driving licence (including provisional).
Also keep a recent payslip or a P60 to hand. These documents help confirm your name and address quickly.
Information for parents and guardians
Parents or guardians should have the person’s full name, current address, date of birth and any previous names. Note any changes by deed poll or marriage.
Adoption details and completing the form
Include adoption details only when they help tracing records. Keep notes short and factual in the “additional information” box.
Important: the online form cannot be saved. Set aside 10–15 minutes and have all details to complete the page in one go.
For more practical guidance on whether you have a CTF and next steps, see our do I have a Child Trust Fund page.
Using the hmrc child trust fund finder to locate the provider
Start at home: ask a parent or guardian if they recall which provider handled the account.
If no letter is found, sign in or create a Government Gateway ID on the government services page. You can make an ID during the form. If you forget your user ID or password, follow the on‑screen links to reset or request a reminder.
Choosing who makes the request
Select whether you are the young person or the parent/legal guardian. This changes the details HMRC asks for and speeds the search if you supply correct contact details.
Submit, acknowledge and wait
When you submit, HMRC will usually acknowledge receipt by email. Keep the HMRC reference safe — it is needed for any follow up.
- Online replies arrive in about 15 days to three weeks.
- Postal requests take longer; allow extra time if you post the form.
- If you have no reply after six weeks, write to: Charities, Savings and International 1, BX9 1AU, and include your reference.
“Finding the provider is the single step that unlocks the rest of the process.”
After HMRC confirms the provider: accessing the account and your money
When you learn which firm holds the account, prompt contact makes the rest much easier. Quote any reference you received and ask what proof they need to confirm identity.
Contact the provider and update details
Call or write the provider using the details HMRC supplied. Tell them about any name or address changes and ask how they prefer to verify entitlement.
If records are old, updating contact details prevents future loss. Providers use these details to send statements or to return funds.
What changes at 18
At 18 the young person usually gains full control of the account. The provider will ask for photo ID before releasing or moving money.
Typical choices include leaving the money invested, transferring it elsewhere, or withdrawing it. Ask the provider for a clear list of options and any fees.
Support for care‑experienced young people
The Share Foundation can help people who are looked‑after or who were in care. The form may ask for the responsible local authority — usually the one that first took responsibility for care.
Consent on the form lets HMRC share details with The Share Foundation and tracing partners. This can speed up the process and reduce repeated requests.
“Providers have processes to recover access — even when paperwork is missing.”
| Step | Who does it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Contact provider | Young person or guardian | Starts identity checks and access process |
| Update contact details | Account holder or guardian | Ensures notices and statements reach you |
| Provide ID at 18 | Young person | Required before funds are released or moved |
| Use Share Foundation | Looked‑after or care‑experienced | Speeds tracing and reduces paperwork |
If you need step‑by‑step help to access a trust account, see our guide on how to access a trust fund in the. We recommend keeping copies of any letters and noting reference numbers to avoid delays.
Conclusion
To finish, take a short check now — it could reconnect someone to savings that have been forgotten. Start by confirming the birth date and gathering a National Insurance number and photo ID.
Use the HMRC online service to trace the provider. Remember the service gives only the provider details, not the account balance.
Replies usually arrive within a few weeks. If nothing comes after six weeks, write to BX9 1AU. Once you have the provider, contact them, update details and ask what is needed to access or transfer the trust fund.
If you need extra help — especially for people who were in care — The Share Foundation offers free support. For more on what these accounts are, see our guide on what is a childhood trust fund.