Your TSP decision guide.

If you entered service on or after 1 January 2018, you are automatically under the Blended Retirement System (BRS). If you entered before that date and opted in during the 2018 opt-in window, you are also under BRS. Everyone else is under High-3. Only BRS members receive matching contributions.

BRS members are automatically enrolled at 3% of basic pay into an age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) fund — not the G Fund. The Service Automatic (1%) Contribution begins after 60 days of service. Verify your election in myPay (mypay.dfas.mil → TSP Contribution Elections) and confirm you are contributing the right percentage.

The government automatically deposits 1% of your basic pay each pay period regardless of what you contribute (begins after 60 days for BRS members). It then matches dollar-for-dollar on the first 3% and fifty cents on the dollar on the next 2% — but BRS members who began service on or after January 1, 2018 do not receive matching contributions until after two years of service. Contributing less than 5% once matching starts leaves forfeited match you cannot recover.

Traditional TSP reduces your taxable income now; you pay taxes when you withdraw in retirement. Roth TSP uses after-tax dollars now; qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Service members in a combat zone can contribute to Roth TSP tax-free.

In 2026, the IRS elective deferral limit is $24,500 (under age 50), $31,000 (age 50–59 or 64+), or $34,750 (age 60–63 SECURE 2.0 catch-up). If your contribution percentage takes you over the limit before December, contributions stop — and so does the government match for every remaining pay period.

Auto-enrolled BRS members start in an age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) fund — not the G Fund. L Funds automatically shift toward bonds as the target date approaches. If you want more control, individual funds include: G Fund (government securities — no loss risk but lower long-term returns), C Fund (S&P 500), S Fund (small/mid-cap), I Fund (international), and F Fund (U.S. bonds).

Your TSP allocation drifts as funds grow at different rates. An interfund transfer (IFT) resets your allocation to your target percentages. You get two unrestricted IFTs per calendar month; additional IFTs are limited to the G Fund. Review after every promotion, PCS, or major life event.