More providers making it easier to access Child Trust Funds
3 mins read
Wednesday 3 June 2026
In a sign that our Child Trust Fund campaign’s momentum is not easing up, even more providers are now allowing young disabled people to access their savings without a costly and lengthy court process.
Recently Nationwide, Santander, Coventry Bank and Co-Operative Bank are now offering a route that safeguards money but allows easier access to savings. But not all providers do this – HSBC doesn’t – so there is an unfairness in the system.
That’s why we continue to lobby government to change the law to make it easier for families to access Child Trust Funds.
What’s the issue?
If a child lacks mental capacity when they turn 18, they won’t be able to control any savings held in a Child Trust Fund. But their parents will find it difficult to access these funds too.
Parents in England and Wales must make an application to the Court of Protection to access the fund. In Northern Ireland, you’ll need to apply to the Office of Care and Protection. Families in Scotland can use the the Access to Funds Scheme (Scotland).
The Court of Protection process in particular is lengthy and costs money. We estimate more than 80,000 disabled young people are at risk of being locked out of £210 million of savings.
Providers adopting industry process
We want the government to increase the scope of the DWP appointee scheme to cover Child Trust Funds and Junior ISAs up to at least £5,000. Currently, the law only allows appointees to manage benefit payments, but not savings accounts.
Alternatively, the government could introduce a simplified small payment scheme similar to the “industry process”. Using the industry process, providers review claims on a case-by-case basis. As it closely mirrors the DWP appointee scheme paperwork requirements, parents can use documents they already have.
It is this process we have successfully encouraged more Child Trust Fund providers to adopt through our campaigning. We are delighted that Nationwide, Santander, Coventry Bank and Co-Operative Bank are offering young disabled people easier access to their savings.
Talk to your provider
Our overriding message to families worried about accessing your child’s savings: talk to your provider.
Ask them about using the industry process / the appointee scheme. If you don’t get anywhere the first time you ask, persist. You can also ask to speak to the provider’s “maturity team”.
You can also change your provider up until your child turns 18 if they are unwilling to use the industry process. Our Facebook group is full of families willing to share their experiences.
Find out more
Read more about our Child Trust Fund campaign.
You can use our flowchart to help you work out your next steps.