Quick answer
To find a lost Child Trust Fund in England and Wales, use the free HMRC Child Trust Fund Finder tool if the account holder was born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. The tool typically identifies which provider holds the account, though it won’t display the balance—you’ll need to contact the provider directly for that information. Access generally becomes available at age 18, though the account may remain frozen until the accountholder takes control. In most cases, accounts opened during the scheme’s operation between 2005 and 2011 will have accumulated interest and potentially outside the scope of IHT growth, depending on the type of investment chosen. This guide explains how to locate your Child Trust Fund in 2026/27, what information you’ll need to gather before searching, and how to access your money once you’ve confirmed the account details.
Last reviewed: 24 May 2026 by the MP Estate Planning editorial team. Jurisdiction: England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different probate and intestacy rules; the IHT thresholds are UK-wide.
Three rule changes you may need to consider (2026/27)
1. Pensions become subject to IHT from 6 April 2027. Most unused defined-contribution pension pots currently sit outside the estate for IHT — that ends on 6 April 2027 (gov.uk policy paper). HMRC estimates around 10,500 estates will face IHT for the first time as a result.
2. Business and agricultural property reliefs capped at £2.5m per person from 6 April 2026. Above the cap, only 50% relief applies — effective IHT of 20%. AIM shares dropped to 50% relief and do not use the £2.5m allowance (Saffery — APR/BPR reforms).
3. The NRB, RNRB and £2m taper threshold are frozen until 5 April 2031 following the 2024 and 2025 Budgets (gov.uk — NRB and RNRB freeze). With inflation, more estates will be pulled into IHT each year — a process commonly called “fiscal drag.”
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.
FAQ
What is the service for finding a Child Trust Fund and who can request it?
The service helps locate an account opened by the government for children born between September 2002 and January 2011. Young people aged 16 or over can request their own details. A parent or legal guardian may request on behalf of a child if they can provide the necessary identity information.
Which birth dates indicate there may be an account?
Accounts were issued for children born from September 2002 up to January 2011. If the person you are searching for was born in that period, there is a good chance an account exists.
What can the government service tell me and what can it not?
The service can identify the provider and give contact details for the account. It will not provide the account balance, transfer instructions, or information about Junior ISAs. For balances and withdrawals you must contact the provider directly.
When do people normally get a National Insurance number and what if I cannot find it?
Most people receive a National Insurance number around their 16th birthday. If you cannot find it, look at payslips, P60s or letters from the Department for Work and Pensions. If still missing, you can contact the national helpline to request a replacement.
What identity and supporting documents might be needed for the search?
Be ready to provide one or more of: passport, driving licence, recent payslip or P60. HMRC may ask for these to confirm identity before passing provider details to you or a guardian.
What details should parents or legal guardians have ready?
Parents and guardians should have the child’s full name, date of birth, current home address and any previous names used. Also have your own contact details and proof of your authority if you are making a request on their behalf.
How do adoption or other special circumstances affect the search?
Adoption, name changes or time in care can complicate tracing an account. Provide any relevant adoption dates, previous names or local authority contact details to help the search. This speeds up confirmation of the correct account.
Do I need to complete the online form in one session?
Yes. Gather all documents and details before you start so you can finish the form in one go. This reduces delays and the need to restart the identity checks.
What should I do first when trying to locate the provider?
Ask the parent or legal guardian if they remember the original provider. Sometimes paperwork, letters or old vouchers will show the name. This can avoid a formal search and get you straight to the provider.
How do I sign in or create a Government Gateway ID and what if I forget my details?
Create a Government Gateway ID online using an email and secure password. If you forget credentials, use the reset links on the sign-in page or follow the account recovery prompts to regain access.
How do I indicate whether I am the young person or a parent/guardian during the request?
The online form asks you to state your role. Select whether you are the account holder aged 16 or over, or a parent/legal guardian applying on their behalf. Provide supporting ID as required for your chosen role.
What happens after I submit the request and how long does it take?
You will receive an acknowledgement and a reference number. Online responses typically arrive within 15 days to three weeks. Postal replies can take longer, so allow extra time if you applied by post.
What should I do if I have not had a reply after six weeks?
If there is no response after six weeks, write to the address provided: BX9 1AU. Include your reference number, full details and copies of any supporting documents to chase the enquiry.
Once HMRC confirms the provider, how do I access the account?
Contact the provider directly using the details HMRC gives you. They will explain how to update contact details, verify identity and access the money or transfer the account.
What changes when the holder turns 18?
At 18 the holder gains full control of the account. They can transfer, withdraw or manage investments. Parents and guardians lose legal control unless they hold lasting power of attorney or similar legal authorisation.
If the young person has been in care, where can they get extra help?
Young people who are or were in care can get support from The Share Foundation and their local authority. These organisations can help contact the provider, update records and advise on accessing the money.
Did every child born between 2002 and 2011 receive a Child Trust Fund voucher?
Not every eligible child will have an active or well-funded account, but the scheme was remarkably broad in its reach. Under the Child Trust Fund Act 2004, the government issued a voucher to the parent or guardian of every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 who was ordinarily resident in the UK and for whom Child Benefit had been claimed. Approximately 6.3 million CTF accounts were opened during this period, which goes a long way to explaining why so many accounts are now described as lost or forgotten — families moved, changed address, or simply set the paperwork aside.
The £250 and £500 starting vouchers
The standard government voucher was worth £250 at the point of account opening. Families in receipt of the maximum rate of Child Tax Credit — broadly, those on lower incomes — typically received a higher voucher of £500. Children who were looked after by a local authority and had been so for more than 12 months may also have received a separate contribution. These figures represent the baseline starting value; the current value of any individual account will depend on the type of account chosen (cash, stakeholder, or stocks and shares), any additional contributions made over the years, and investment performance where applicable. It is worth bearing in mind that some accounts will have grown considerably beyond their original voucher value, while others may have fluctuated. You can read the original government guidance on voucher amounts via GOV.UK — Child Trust Funds overview.
What if no voucher was ever used?
Where a voucher was issued but a parent or guardian did not open an account, HMRC generally opened a Revenue-allocated account on the child’s behalf with a designated provider. This means most eligible children do have an account somewhere, even if they have never been told about it. The Treasury has estimated that around £394 million is currently sitting in unclaimed or forgotten CTF accounts — a figure that underlines both the scale of the problem and the importance of making the search.
The ShareFound alternative for 16 and 17 year-olds
Young people aged 16 or 17 who cannot use the HMRC online tool — for example, because they do not yet hold a National Insurance number or encounter technical barriers — may be able to use an alternative route operated by ShareFound at findctf.sharefound.org. ShareFound is a not-for-profit service that works with CTF providers to help trace accounts for eligible young people. It is separate from HMRC and has its own data-sharing arrangements with providers. In our experience, it is worth trying both routes if the HMRC tool does not return a result, as provider records and HMRC records do not always align. Once a provider is identified through either route, the process of contacting them and verifying identity follows the same general steps.
Common questions about Child Trust Funds
What happens to a CTF when the child turns 18?
When the account holder turns 18, the Child Trust Fund matures and they become the sole legal owner of the funds. The account can no longer receive new contributions. In most cases the provider will write to the account holder and invite them to withdraw the money, reinvest it in an ISA, or leave it in a matured account temporarily. From an estate planning perspective, this is a meaningful moment: the funds become a personal asset of the young adult and, if they were to die intestate and without a will shortly after maturity, the money would pass under the Rules of Intestacy. We would generally encourage any young person approaching 18 to consider making a basic will at the same time as they access their CTF, particularly if the account has grown to a meaningful sum.
How do I claim my child’s trust fund in the UK?
If you are the account holder and aged 18 or over, you can contact the provider directly — once identified via HMRC or ShareFound — to request withdrawal or transfer. You will typically need to verify your identity with the provider before funds are released. If you are a parent or guardian acting for a child under 18, your authority is generally limited to managing the account within provider rules; you cannot withdraw the funds on the child’s behalf unless you hold a relevant formal legal authority, such as a court order, in exceptional circumstances.
How do you find out if you have any trust funds, or how do you find a lost trust fund?
The primary route is the HMRC Child Trust Fund tracing service on GOV.UK, which is available to account holders aged 16 and over, and to parents or guardians of younger children. You will need a Government Gateway account and, ideally, a National Insurance number. If you were born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, there is a reasonable likelihood that an account exists in your name even if you have never been made aware of it — the estimated £394 million in unclaimed accounts suggests a very large number of people are yet to make the search.
How to check if a child has a trust fund?
A parent or guardian can use the HMRC online service to search on behalf of a child. If the child was born within the eligible date range and Child Benefit was in payment, an account was almost certainly opened — either by the family or by HMRC as a Revenue-allocated account. The service will confirm the name of the provider but will not disclose the account balance or value. For balance information you will need to contact the provider directly once identified.
What happens to an unclaimed CTF if the account holder dies before accessing it?
This is an area that generic CTF guidance rarely addresses. If an account holder dies before withdrawing their matured CTF — or, in rarer cases, before turning 18 — the funds form part of their estate and are dealt with under the terms of any will, or under the Rules of Intestacy if no valid will exists. The account does not simply revert to the government. Where the deceased was under 18 and the account had not matured, the provider will generally require sight of a death certificate and may require a grant of representation before releasing funds to the estate. Depending on the overall value of the estate, the funds may or may not fall outside the scope of inheritance tax. Our team would always recommend taking advice from a qualified solicitor or regulated financial adviser in these circumstances, as the position can be more complex than it first appears.