# Junior pension transfers: child trust funds and CTF-to-JISA rules

> Pensions · 5 July 2026

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## Summary

Millions of Child Trust Funds matured from age 18 — unclaimed pots can transfer to ISAs or adult pensions. Check for safeguarded benefits before moving junior workplace pensions inherited from parents' schemes.

Child Trust Funds (CTFs) opened for children born 1 September 2002 to 2 January 2011. At 18, accounts mature — money can move to a Cash ISA, Stocks & Shares ISA or remain invested in the adult CTF wrapper.

Junior ISAs (JISAs) replaced CTFs for later births. The 2026/27 JISA allowance is £9,000. Parents manage accounts until age 16; at 18 the child controls the pot — it cannot be withdrawn for university fees without the child's consent.

Junior workplace pensions are rare but exist where parents employ children in family businesses. Transfer rules mirror adult pensions — check for safeguarded benefits before consolidating.

Pension-to-pension transfers are tax-free provider-to-provider. Never withdraw cash to reinvest — that triggers unauthorised payment charges.

Tracing lost CTFs uses the gov.uk finder service. See our Junior ISA guide, pension consolidation hub and safeguarded benefits answer.

## Related topics

- [/pensions/](https://moneyguide.org.uk/pensions/)
- [/savings/](https://moneyguide.org.uk/savings/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.