How the BRS match works
Under the Blended Retirement System, the government adds to your TSP in two ways. Both are a percentage of basic pay, and both stop after 26 years of service.
| You contribute | Automatic 1% | Match | Government total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 1% | 0% | 1% |
| 1% | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| 2% | 1% | 2% | 3% |
| 3% | 1% | 3% | 4% |
| 4% | 1% | 3.5% | 4.5% |
| 5% or more | 1% | 4% | 5% |
The automatic 1% starts about 60 days after you join. Matching starts at the beginning of your third year of service. Members under the older High-3 system get no government contributions, but can still contribute their own pay.
Example
An E-4 with 3 years of service and $4,000 already saved who puts 5% of basic pay into the TSP, about $174 a month today, and keeps going for 17 years at a 6% yearly return, ends up with about $171,800. Roughly $49,400 comes from the member, the same amount from the government, and the rest from growth. This assumes no promotions, so most members would end up with more.
Traditional or Roth?
Traditional contributions lower your taxable pay now and are taxed when you withdraw. Roth contributions are taxed now and come out tax-free in retirement. Because BAH and BAS are already tax-free, many junior members pay little income tax, which makes Roth attractive. Government contributions always go into the traditional balance. The paycheck calculator shows how each choice changes your take-home pay.
Common questions
What is the contribution limit? $24,500 of your own money in 2026, plus catch-up contributions from age 50. See TSP limits for 2027.
Do I keep the government money if I leave early? The matching contributions are yours right away. The automatic 1% is yours after two years of service.
Can I contribute from special pays and bonuses? Yes. You can choose a separate percentage for special pay, incentive pay and bonuses. The calculator only counts basic pay.
