The Child Trust Fund

The Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a long-term savings and investment account for children. The Government makes payments to children through this account to help build up a useful stock of assets for when they reach the age of 18. The CTF accounts will help to strengthen the savings habit of future generations, spread the benefits of assets ownership to all, educate people in the need for savings and give young people a basic understanding of financial products.

The CTF is part of the Government’s strategy for saving and asset ownership.

CTF accounts have been available since 6 April 2005 for eligible children born on or after 1 September 2002.

The Chancellor announced in his Budget on 22 March 2006 that all children eligible for the Child Trust Fund will receive a further Child Trust Fund payment at age 7 of £250 with children from lower-income families receiving £500. Eligibility will be similar to that for the initial payments and will be based on the child being born on or after 1 September 2002, living in the UK and being the subject of a Child Benefit award on the child’s seventh birthday. Children in families who qualify for full Child Tax Credit with an income below the threshold on the child’s seventh birthday will qualify for the higher payment at age seven.

  • Key Features - For the key features of CTF
  • CTF dedicated website - Parents, children, teachers, and advice workers will find more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the CTF.
  • CTF Statistics
  • CTF legislation - legislation and associated documents.
  • CTF consultations - CTF issues on which the Government is currently consulting and previous consultation documents.
  • Information for Local Authorities and Health and Social Services Trusts
  • CTF Providers - CTF providers will find guidance notes, statistics, technical specifications, information for software developers and applications for approval as a CTF provider or distributor.
  • CTF Early Access to Funds - Information, Medical Practitioners maybe asked to complete an Early Access Medical Report (Form CTF1500) and Guidance Notes for the (CTF34 Notes)
  • Do you work for an advisory/not-for-profit organisation and have an interest in helping parents understand the CTF? HM Revenue & Customs would be delighted to work with other organisations to promote the CTF and help strengthen the savings habits of future generations. If you'd like to find out more about how you could become involved, please contact our support team by sending your details to CTF@23red.com