Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Child Trust Funds and how ctf.claims can help you find yours.
1What is a Child Trust Fund (CTF)?
A Child Trust Fund is a long-term tax-free savings account for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. The government provided an initial deposit of £250 (or £500 for low-income families), and parents, family, and friends could add up to £9,000 per year. The account matures when the child turns 18.
2How do I know if I have a Child Trust Fund?
If you were born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, you likely have a Child Trust Fund. Many people don't know they have one because accounts were automatically opened by the government if parents didn't choose a provider within 12 months of receiving the voucher.
3Why can't I find my Child Trust Fund?
There are several reasons: the account may have been opened by the government without your parents' knowledge, your family may have moved and lost track of the paperwork, the provider may have merged with another company, or the account details were simply forgotten over time. That's where we can help.
4How much could be in my Child Trust Fund?
The amount varies significantly. With just the government's initial £250 deposit and typical investment growth, accounts could be worth £1,000-£2,000. If family members made regular contributions, some CTFs are worth £10,000 or more. The average CTF is worth around £2,000.
5How does ctf.claims help me find my CTF?
We submit Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) to financial institutions on your behalf. We have experience working with all the major CTF providers and know how to navigate the process efficiently. Our team handles all the paperwork and communication, keeping you updated throughout.
6What does the subscription include?
Your £29.99/month subscription includes our full CTF location service: we submit DSARs on your behalf, liaise with providers, and keep you updated. You can cancel anytime.
7What are your fees?
We charge £29.99 per month (plus VAT where applicable). There are no percentage fees or caps – just one simple monthly price. See our Pricing page for full details.
8Can I cancel after signing up?
Yes. You can cancel your subscription at any time with no penalties. Simply contact us in writing to cancel.
9How long does the process take?
The timeline varies depending on the CTF provider and how quickly they respond to our requests. Typically, the process takes 4-8 weeks, but it can be faster or slower depending on the complexity of your case.
10What information do I need to provide?
You'll need to provide your full name (including any previous names), date of birth, National Insurance number, current address, and any previous addresses. You can also optionally upload ID documents to speed up the process.
11Is my information secure?
Absolutely. We take data security very seriously. Your information is encrypted, stored securely, and only used for the purpose of locating your Child Trust Fund. We comply with UK GDPR and have strict data protection policies in place.
12What happens once my CTF is found?
Once we locate your CTF, we'll notify you with the details of the provider and the current value. You can then either withdraw the funds (as you're over 18) or transfer them to an ISA. Your subscription continues until you cancel.
13Can I find my CTF myself without using a service?
Yes, you can try to find it yourself by contacting HMRC or using the government's CTF finder service. However, this can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if your account was opened by a provider that has since merged or changed names. Our service saves you time and handles all the complexity.
14I'm not yet 18 – can I still use your service?
Our service is designed for individuals who are 18 or older and can legally access their Child Trust Fund. If you're not yet 18, you'll need to wait until your birthday to claim your funds.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help. Get in touch and we'll answer any questions you have about finding your Child Trust Fund.