Money and Pensions Scheme (MaPS)

Managing Your Money Well

Talking about money isn’t always easy. Many people put it off, worry they’ll be judged, or assume help will cost money or come with strings attached. That’s exactly why the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) exists – to give people across the UK free, impartial, government‑backed guidance they can trust.

Who Are the Money and Pensions Service?

The Money and Pensions Service (often shortened to MaPS) is an arm’s‑length government body, set up to improve people’s financial wellbeing across the UK.

MaPS is not a bank, a lender, a comparison site, or a financial adviser. Its role is to provide clear information, practical tools, and supportive conversations so people can understand their options and decide what’s right for them.

All guidance is:

• Free to use
• Impartial and confidential
• Written in plain English (no financial jargon)
• Kept accurate and up to date

What Is MoneyHelper?

MoneyHelper is the public‑facing service delivered by MaPS. It brings together what used to be multiple money and pensions websites into one easy‑to‑use platform.

MoneyHelper offers:

• Over 300 pages of guidance
• Around 15–16 interactive tools
• Support online, by phone, web chat, and WhatsApp
• Help for millions of people each year (around 24–25 million website visits annually)

Importantly, MoneyHelper is designed to feel different from traditional government websites. It’s visual, accessible, and focused on real‑life money situations.

What MoneyHelper Can (and Can’t) Do

What it can do

• Help people understand money, debt, benefits, pensions, and everyday costs
• Explain options clearly and calmly
• Support ongoing conversations (not just one‑off queries)
• Signpost to trusted charities and organisations

What it can’t do

• Pay benefits or pensions (that’s handled by DWP or pension providers)
• Recommend specific products or providers
• Give personalised financial advice
• Access or share someone’s personal data

The Main Topics MoneyHelper Covers

MoneyHelper organises information into eight key areas:

1. Benefits
2. Everyday money
3. Family and care
4. Homes (renting, mortgages, housing costs)
5. Money troubles (debt, arrears, financial difficulty)
6. Pensions and retirement
7. Savings
8. Work and redundancy support

These areas reflect the most common money challenges people face at different stages of life.

Tools People Find Most Helpful

MoneyHelper’s tools are interactive and tailored to individual circumstances. Some of the most popular include:

• Budget Planner – a visual way to see money coming in and going out (around 20–25 minutes to complete)
• Bank Account Comparison Tool
• Credit Card Calculator
• Benefits Calculator
• Savings and Pension Calculators
• Debt Advice Locator

Tools are adjusted depending on whether someone lives in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, as rules can differ.

Everyday Money Support

The Everyday Money section is one of the most widely used. It covers:

• Managing bank accounts
• Budgeting and cutting costs
• Switching utilities and services
• Understanding credit and credit scores
• Car and transport costs
• Insurance basics
• Avoiding high‑cost or illegal lending

Content includes short videos, written guides, and practical checklists – all designed to be approachable and easy to digest.

Speaking to MoneyHelper

Not everyone wants to do everything online, so MoneyHelper offers live support.

Money Guidance Team

• Help with budgeting, debt, benefits, and general money worries
• Call 0800 138 7777 to speak to a debt and money specialist.
• Visit the Money Helper website to arrange a web chat, or WhatsApp call
• Open Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm (web chat also Saturdays)
• English and Welsh always available

Pensions Guidance Team

• Specialist support for workplace and private pensions
• Call 0800 011 3797 to speak to a pension specialist.
• Visit the Money Helper website to arrange a web chat, or WhatsApp call
• Open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
• Staff have pensions industry experience

Money problems rarely have instant solutions. MoneyHelper is built around ongoing, supportive conversations, helping people feel more confident over time.

Whether someone is facing immediate financial pressure or planning for the future, MoneyHelper is there as a trusted first step.