HMRC has issued a reminder to people born between 2002 and 2011 who could have unclaimed Child Trust Fund money
HMRC has issued a reminder to people born between 2002 and 2011 who could have unclaimed Child Trust Fund money
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
03:02, 06 Feb 2026
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging people born between two years to ensure they’re not missing out on a pot of cash potentially worth thousands. HMRC is reminding people born between 2002 and 2011 they could have money “waiting” for them as part of the Child Trust Fund.
The Child Trust Fund scheme was introduced by the then Labour Government in 2005. They were set up for children born from September 2002.
Initially, the Government put £250 into the tax-free account during a child’s first year, then added another £250 when he or she reached the age of seven. For lower-income families, the payment was £500.
Family members were also able to contribute to the savings accounts over the years. The idea was for children to have some savings at the age of 18.
However, the scheme was watered down and then scrapped in 2011. This means that anyone born between 2002 and 2011 was eligible for the scheme.
In an update, HMRC urged people to check, claiming that the average amount in the trusts is £2,200. HMRC wrote on X: “Born between 2002 and 2011?
“You could have money waiting for you. You may have a Child Trust Fund, which can be cashed in as soon as you turn 18.
“Check if you have one.” The Government website further explains: “The Child Trust Fund scheme closed in 2011. You can apply for a Junior ISA instead.
“You cannot have a Child Trust Fund as well as a Junior ISA . If you open a Junior ISA, ask the provider to transfer the trust fund into it.
“You can continue to add up to £9,000 a year to an existing Child Trust Fund account. The money belongs to the child and they can only take it out when they’re 18. They can take control of the account when they’re 16.”
Find your Child Trust Fund
To cash in your fund, contact your Child Trust Fund provider directly if you know who the account is with.
You can also ask HMRC to find a Child Trust Fund provider. They can tell you where the account was originally opened.
You’ll need your National Insurance number. You’ll also need your adoption details if they apply.
If you’re a parent or guardian looking for a child’s trust fund, you’ll need:
- The child’s full name, address and date of birth
- Any previous names you or the child have used
You can include the child’s National Insurance number if you have it. You’ll need to complete the form in one go – you cannot save and return to it.
On the child’s 18th birthday, the Child Trust Fund matures. This means that:
- The child automatically takes over the account
- No more money can be added
They can either take out the money or transfer the money to an adult ISA. The Child Trust Fund will then close. Until your child withdraws or transfers the money, it stays in an account that no one else has access to.
If your child lacks the mental capacity to manage their account when it matures you, or a close friend or relative, need to apply to the Court of Protection (COP) for a financial deputyship order so you can manage your child’s account when they turn 18. Once the account matures, the money can either be taken out or transferred into an ISA.
In Scotland, applications need to be made to the Office of the Public Guardian in Scotland. In Northern Ireland, applications need to be made to the Office of Care and Protection.
For more information, visit the Government website here.
