The Money and Pensions Service (Maps) has launched a new guide aimed at helping people better understand their retirement options.

The redesigned pensions guide, How to take your pension: a step-by-step guide, replaces the previous iteration of the guidance, Your pension: your choices, which has been available since 2015.

Pension providers will issue the guide to members who are approaching 50 as part of a ‘wake-up’ pack, seeking to engage savers as they begin to think about how and when to access their pension pots.

The updated guide has been cut to around half the length of the previous guide, and has been rewritten to make it clearer and easier to navigate.

It provides step-by-step directions to support people in understanding their retirement options, consider what actions they may need to take, and signpost to support and information sources.

Maps said the redesign reflected its commitment to ensuring its services are accessible to all, including those who may find financial information difficult to engage with.

"Our shorter, clearer step-by-step guide means people turning 50 can more easily understand their choices for making the most of their pension income options,” commented Maps lead digital editor, Sarah Hunter.

“Presenting numbers in the clearest possible way helps them understand their options, take action and prepare for retirement with confidence.”

The guide is the first piece of Maps content to achieve Plain Numbers certification, which recognises efforts to communicate complex information in ways that are easier for people to understand.

Plain Numbers chief executive and founder, Mike Ellicock, said: “Millions of people turning 50 receive this guide at a moment when the decisions they make could define their financial future.

“Getting the numbers right isn't a nice-to-have — it matters. The Plain Numbers certification reflects the genuine commitment Maps brought to this.”

The project was developed through collaboration with Plain Numbers and Aegon.

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