How to Change Your Thrift Savings Plan Address: A Step-by-Step Guide

My wife and I moved a few months ago, and I finally realized I had forgotten to update the addresses for our Thrift Savings Plan accounts. It’s important to use the most up-to-date address you have so the TSP can contact you with updates or any issues that arise. This is especially important if you are already receiving your Thrift Savings Plan benefits (you need access to IRS Form 1099-R when you file your taxes). Thankfully, updating your address is as simple as updating your account online or filling out a form and mailing it in (the form is available online or by calling the ThriftLine).

Here is everything you need to know about keeping your TSP address current, whether you are actively serving or have already separated from service.

Why Keeping Your TSP Address Updated Matters

The TSP doesn’t send out much mail, but the mail it does send is usually very important for your retirement planning needs or filing your taxes. In most cases, the mail you receive will be limited to quarterly or annual statements if you opt to receive them in physical form (you can also receive them electronically), and your IRS Form 1099-R if you are making qualified withdrawals from your funds. In other situations, TSP mailings are usually limited to important plan updates.

As you can see, it’s a great idea to give the TSP the most up-to-date information you can. Not only will it help you have the most recent information about your account and what’s happening with the TSP, but it will also keep your private information out of others’ hands. Identity theft is a real danger, so it’s best not to give people a reason or means to target you!

There are two categories of TSP members: those who are actively employed and those who are separated from government service. Actively employed covers anyone who is still eligible to contribute to their Thrift Savings Plan, and separated from Federal service covers everyone (military and civilian) who is no longer eligible to contribute to their TSP.

How to Change Your TSP Address If You Are Still Employed

Are you still employed by the Federal government? The quickest way to update your address is through the TSP section of myPay. Note that updating your correspondence address in myPay will not update your TSP address, you must go specifically to the TSP section. Alternatively, you can contact your agency or service to update your address.

How to Change Your TSP Address If You Are Separated from Service

Separated from Federal service? Then you are responsible for notifying the TSP about any changes to your account or personal information. To do this, you can complete Form TSP-9, Change in Address for a Separated Participant. You can get a copy of the form at the provided link or by calling the ThriftLine at 1-877-968-3778 (1-TSP-YOU-FRST). It is a one-page form and should only take about 5 minutes to complete. The other way to change your address is via the Thrift Savings Plan website. Log in to your account, visit the My Account: Profile Settings section, and change your address.

Mail or fax your Form TSP-9: Once you complete your form, send it to the following address or fax number:

Thrift Savings Plan
P.O. Box 385021
Birmingham, AL 35238

Fax: 1-866-817-5023

Allow several business days for your address change to be processed after submitting your form by mail or fax. Changes made online through your TSP account are typically reflected more quickly, making the online method the fastest option for most separated members.

What to Do If You Have Two TSP Accounts

What if you have two accounts? Great question! My wife separated from active duty and then worked a civil service job, so she has two TSP accounts: one military and one from Federal service. The instructions are basically the same. If you are still active in the uniformed services or Federal service, you can still only change your address through your agency or service. Then just check the appropriate box on your Form TSP-9 for the agency or service in which you are no longer active. If you are no longer active in either the uniformed services or Federal service, then you can use one form to change your address on both accounts – just check both boxes when you send in your form, or update it online.

Other TSP Account Considerations After Separation

Don’t forget about your ability to transfer your TSP. If you have since left Federal or military service, you may wish to consolidate your financial accounts to make it easier to plan for retirement or otherwise manage your money. If you wish to consider this, be sure to review your options for rolling over a TSP account. Some options include rolling it into a 401(k) or another employer-sponsored retirement plan, opening an IRA, or rolling it into an existing IRA.

Meet the Author

Ryan Guina

Ryan Guina is The Military Wallet's founder. He is a writer, small business owner, and entrepreneur. He served over six years on active duty in the USAF and is a current member of the Tennessee Air...

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