Overview
- HMRC’s latest figures show 758,000 Child Trust Fund accounts remain unclaimed, with an average balance of £2,242.
- Eligible individuals were born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, and accounts were seeded with at least £250 by the government, rising to £500 for low‑income cases, with some receiving a second £250 at age seven.
- To find an account, use the free GOV.UK locator with a National Insurance number and date of birth; the HMRC app can display the NI number and HMRC typically responds within three weeks.
- Account holders can take control at 16 and access the money at 18, either withdrawing funds or transferring to an adult ISA without affecting the annual ISA allowance.
- HMRC and consumer advocates warn against paid tracing services, and The Share Foundation reports more than £400 million remains unclaimed in HMRC‑allocated accounts.