- What is the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)?
- How Does the TSP Fit into My Retirement Package?
- Who Administers the TSP?
What is the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)?
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees and members of the uniformed services, including the Ready Reserve. It was established by Congress in the Federal Employees' Retirement System Act of 1986 and offers the same types of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations offer their employees under 401(k) plans.
The TSP is a defined contribution plan, meaning that the retirement income you receive from your TSP account will depend on how much you (and your agency, if you are eligible to receive agency contributions) put into your account during your working years and the earnings accumulated over that time.
How Does the TSP Fit into My Retirement Package?
If you are covered by the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), the TSP is one part of a three-part retirement package that also includes your FERS basic annuity and Social Security.
If you are covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or are a member of the uniformed services, the TSP is a supplement to your CSRS annuity or military retired pay.
Who Administers the TSP?
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB or "Board") Administers the TSP
The assets of the TSP are held in trust in the Thrift Savings Fund. The financial statements of the Thrift Savings Fund are required by law to be audited annually.
The FRTIB is an independent Government agency that is managed by five presidentially appointed board members and an Executive Director who are required by law to manage the TSP prudently and solely in the interest of the participants and their beneficiaries.
The FRTIB also consults with the Employee Thrift Advisory Council (ETAC), a statutorily created Advisory Committee comprising representatives of employee organizations, unions, and the uniformed services. The Council provides advice to the Board and the Executive Director on matters relating to the investment policies and administration of the TSP.
The FRTIB Is Also Supported by Private Sector Companies
The record keeper handles the day-to-day maintenance and administration of all TSP accounts, processes requests for benefits, and provides call center support.
Your Agency or Service Plays an Important Role in the TSP
Your agency or service is responsible for determining your retirement coverage and reporting to the record keeper the dollar amount of contributions to your account each pay period. It also distributes TSP materials and answers your questions about the TSP.
While you are employed, your agency or service is your primary TSP contact. You should inform your agency or service representative about any changes or corrections to personal information that might affect your TSP account including address changes.
After you separate from Federal service, the TSP becomes your primary point of contact.
