Overview

• Child Trust Funds were set up for children born between September 2002 and January 2011 with at least £250 in initial government deposits and tax-free growth.
• Accounts mature at 18, and more than 670,000 holders aged 18 to 22 have yet to withdraw an average £2,200 from their funds.
• HMRC’s free Find a Child Trust Fund service on GOV.UK uses just a National Insurance number and birth date to identify providers and release savings.
• Officials advise against paid tracing services because fees can shrink payouts and extend wait times for accessing account balances.
• The Share Foundation and Citizens Advice advocate for legislation to automatically disburse unclaimed CTF savings when beneficiaries turn 21.