Military TSP Matching & How It Works

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is an excellent investment option for military service members and eligible civil service members. It allows you to save for retirement through either a traditional account like a 401k with pre-tax contributions or a Roth account with post-tax contributions. While the TSP has limited investment choices, it offers some of the lowest-cost investment funds available.

Key Differences Between Military and Civil Service Thrift Savings Plans

The Thrift Savings Plan is available to military and civil service members. While the plan functions similarly for both groups, there are some differences:

• Dual-status technicians (Guard or Reserve members) can simultaneously have military and civil service TSP accounts.
• Combining TSP accounts is possible only after ineligibility to contribute to one or both, with considerations for tax-free zone contributions.
• Civil service members receive automatic government matching contributions, unlike military members who are not in the Blended Retirement System (BRS).

Military TSP Matching Contributions Are Exclusive to BRS Members

As a general rule of thumb, military members in the High 3, Final Pay, or REDUX retirement plans are not eligible for matching TSP contributions. This policy was changed on January 1, 2018, with the introduction of the Blended Retirement System. Those who joined before this date and did not switch to BRS will not receive matching contributions. Although each branch secretary could theoretically allow matching, it would require reallocating limited personnel funds, impacting salaries, bonuses, and overall force strength.

Under the BRS, members can take their TSP and matching contributions with them after 2 years of service. Previously, you had to retire from the military to access your TSP funds.

Let’s take a look at government matching contributions, then dive into why military members don’t get them.

Military TSP Matching Contributions

This chart shows how the Thrift Savings Plan matches contributions for civil service employees under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). This structure is the same for military members under the BRS plan.

Civil service and BRS members receive a 1% automatic government contribution to their TSP, regardless of their contributions. For the next 2% of their pay they defer, they get an additional 1% match, and for the following 2%, they receive a 0.5% match per percentage point, totaling a maximum government contribution of 5% (1% automatic + 4% matching). It’s important to note that matching contributions apply only to base pay, excluding any incentive pay, special duty pay, or bonuses.

Although members can contribute more than 5% of their pay to their TSP, only the first 5% will receive matching contributions. The Thrift Savings Plan has various contribution limits, such as the elective deferral limit and the maximum annual addition limit.

Most Military Members Don’t Get Matching TSP Contributions

You might wonder why you don’t get matching TSP contributions if you have been in the military for several years. This is because matching contributions are generally not available to those who were members before the creation of the BRS in January 2018. However, the secretary of each armed forces branch can authorize matching contributions for service members in critical specialties. These contributions are typically given as incentives to service members who agree to serve six years on active duty in those specialties. For more information, check with your branch’s personnel office or consult a financial advisor to understand your eligibility and the specific benefits available to you under the BRS.

TSP Matching May Impact Your Investment Decisions

Using the TSP as a primary source of investment makes sense if you receive matching contributions because it effectively increases your savings with minimal effort, providing an immediate return on your contributions. Additionally, the TSP offers low-cost investment options, making it a cost-effective way to grow your retirement savings over time.

Most military members should be eligible to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan and an IRA. When deciding between investing in the TSP or another investment opportunity, though, you should consider all your options.

Which is better? It depends on your situation. Compare a TSP to an IRA to understand the differences in contribution limits, tax benefits, investment options, and withdrawal rules, helping you decide which retirement plan best suits your financial goals and needs.

The bottom line is to focus on available opportunities, not just matching contributions. The Thrift Savings Plan is a great opportunity regardless of matching. Take advantage of it now, and you’ll appreciate the substantial balance in your TSP account in 20 to 30 years.

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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