If You Were Born in This Decade, You Could Get £4,200: If you were born between September 1, 2002, and January 2, 2011, there’s a strong chance you have a Child Trust Fund (CTF) set up in your name. These tax-free savings accounts were part of a UK government initiative to give young people a financial head start. Today, many of these accounts remain unclaimed, with some individuals entitled to as much as £4,200 or more.
If You Were Born in This Decade, You Could Get £4,200
The Child Trust Fund was designed to empower a generation with early financial security — and yet, nearly £2 billion is sitting unclaimed. If you were born between 2002 and 2011, this is your chance to unlock what’s rightfully yours. Take five minutes today to check using the GOV.UK website. You might be one of thousands eligible for a life-changing cash bonus — and all it takes is a few clicks.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Duration | September 1, 2002 – January 2, 2011 |
| Initial Government Voucher | £250 (or £500 for low-income families) |
| Second Voucher at Age 7 | £250 (or £500 for low-income families) |
| Number of Accounts | Over 6.3 million |
| Unclaimed Accounts | Nearly 1 million |
| Total Unclaimed Funds | £1.7 billion+ |
| Average Account Value | Around £2,200 |
| Maximum Reported Values | Over £4,200 |
| How to Claim | Use the GOV.UK Tool |
What Is a Child Trust Fund?
A Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a long-term, tax-free savings account for children, initiated by the UK government. If you were born in the eligible date range and your parents received Child Benefit, the government automatically gave you money — usually £250 or £500 depending on household income — to get started.
Even if your parents didn’t open an account, HMRC did so on your behalf. The funds grew over time through interest or investments, and now that you’re 18 or older, you can claim that money.
The scheme was discontinued in 2011, but if you have an account, the money is still yours to access.
Why Is There £1.7 Billion Unclaimed?
According to the UK’s National Audit Office, there are nearly 1 million CTFs that haven’t been claimed — totaling more than £1.7 billion. In many cases, young adults don’t even know they have one. Often, their parents forgot about it, or the account was automatically set up by HMRC and never tracked.
Some accounts have grown substantially due to wise investments, with a few worth more than £4,000 today.
If You Were Born in This Decade, You Could Get £4,200 Application Process
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
You’re likely eligible if:
- You were born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011
- You lived in the UK
- Your parents received Child Benefit
Step 2: Use the Official Government Tool
Visit the GOV.UK CTF finder and log in using your Government Gateway account.
You’ll need:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- Your National Insurance number
Parents or guardians can also check on behalf of children under 18.
Step 3: Wait for Details
HMRC will contact you within three weeks, providing details of the CTF provider (bank or investment firm) managing your account.
Step 4: Access or Transfer Your Funds
Once you’ve found your provider, you can:
- Withdraw the money
- Transfer it to an ISA or Lifetime ISA
- Continue investing it tax-free
Avoid Scams
Do not pay third-party websites or apps. This service is 100% free via GOV.UK.
What Can You Do With the Money?
There’s no limit on how you use the funds. Some ideas include:
- Pay university tuition
- Start a business
- Travel (like one young woman did to Bali!)
- Save for a home via a Lifetime ISA
- Build an emergency fund
Case Study: Erin’s Bali Adventure
Erin Griffiths from the UK discovered £2,000 in her CTF, which she had no idea existed. She used it to fund a dream trip to Bali — all thanks to money saved in her name 18 years earlier.
This is just one of thousands of similar stories. Your CTF might be the key to unlocking your next big step in life.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a Child Trust Fund?
A Child Trust Fund is a tax-free savings account set up by the UK government for children born between 2002 and 2011. The government contributed £250–£500 to kickstart each account.
Q: How do I find my CTF?
Use the official Child Trust Fund finder tool on GOV.UK. You’ll need a Government Gateway account and your National Insurance number.
Q: What if I don’t know my National Insurance number?
You can find it on a payslip, tax letter, or your personal tax account.
Q: What if my parents set it up but didn’t tell me?
No problem. Even if they never told you, HMRC will help you trace the account.
Q: Can I move the money elsewhere?
Yes. Once you’re 18, you can withdraw it, transfer it to a Cash ISA, Stocks & Shares ISA, or a Lifetime ISA, depending on your goals.
Q: I’m a parent — how can I check for my child?
If your child is under 18, you can apply to find their account on their behalf using the same GOV.UK tool.
