Turning 18 in Scotland? Make Sure You’ve Claimed Your Child Trust Fund

Ellis on 16 February, 2026

A pink ceramic piggy bank sits on a white surface with a white background. There are stacks of coins to the left of it, increasing in height from left to right, illustrating increased savings.

Midlothian Financial Inclusion Network (MFIN) is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the Child Trust Fund and to encourage young people to find and claim their fund.

Many young people across the UK may have money waiting for them in a Child Trust Fund (CTF) and most don’t even know it. If you were born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, there’s a chance you have savings set aside that you can now access.

What is a Child Trust Fund (CTF)?

A Child Trust Fund is a tax‑free savings account that the UK Government set up for eligible children. Every child received a voucher to open an account, and if no one used it, the government opened an account on their behalf. Now that young people are turning 18, this money is ready to be claimed.

But many haven’t claimed theirs yet. In fact, HMRC estimates that more than 750,000 young people are missing out on an average of £2,242 from unclaimed CTFs.

How to Claim Your Child Trust Fund

Checking if you have a Child Trust Fund is free, you’ll just need your National Insurance number and a few details.

  1. Find your account – If you don’t know who your CTF provider is, use the official GOV.UK tool: Child Trust Fund: Find a Child Trust Fund – GOV.UK
  2. Contact your provider to access your account once you know where it is.
  3. Decide what to do – you can withdraw it or transfer it into an adult ISA if you want to keep saving.

What Can You Use the Money For?

Your Child Trust Fund belongs to you. People use it in all sorts of ways – saving for a first home, paying for driving lessons, helping with college costs, or simply boosting their financial security. One young person told us:

“Having my Child Trust Fund saved me from going into an overdraft at the start of university. It gave me independence and a great start to adult life.”

Whether you’re just turning 18 or already past that milestone, it’s worth taking a moment to check. It could make a real difference as you take your next steps into adult life.

If you know a young person who might benefit, please share this information with them.