Federal Retirement Experts logo

Maximizing Your TSP Match for FERS Employees

man teaching group

As a civilian Federal employee, you have access to what the Government calls a Thrift Savings Plan or TSP. The TSP bears a striking similarity to some privately held retirement vehicles, like the 401k. In the same way, many companies contribute to employee 401k plans, the Government makes contributions and matches to your TSP. Maximizing these Government contributions is one of the keys to retirement planning early in your career.


Enrollment and Automatic Enrollment

According to TSP.gov, every employee hired after 2009 received an automatic enrollment in a 3-5% contribution to their TSP. You may have elected to change this, so verify it against your latest Earnings and Leave Statement.


You have the option to change the amount you contribute at any time, up to the IRS’ allowed yearly maximum for pre-tax contributions. For 2022, this amount is $20,500, with an additional $6,500 if you are 50 years of age or older.


One Percent For All

Even if you choose not to have contributions to your TSP taken from your paycheck, part of the FERS program allows the Government to make a 1% automatic contribution to your TSP. This 1% of your base salary begins on your hiring date and will continue throughout your employment, following your salary increases.


Contribution Matches

In addition to this 1% contribution, your employer will match the amount you choose to have withheld from your TSP within certain limits. The first 3% of your net salary that you contribute to your TSP receives a dollar-for-dollar match, and the following 2% will receive a 50-cent-on-the-dollar match. This matching system means that if you contribute 5% of your base salary to your TSP from your pre-tax dollars, your total contribution will be 10%.


Conclusion

Depending on your IRS-set maximum contributions, you can get the most out of your employer’s matches by contributing 5%. As you near separation, our professionals at Federal Retirement Experts recommend contributing the total amount you are allowed by the IRS to maximize your income in retirement. Let our expertly trained benefits consultants provide a complete analysis to see what your first steps into retirement will look like at no cost to you. Contact us now to get started.

More Featured Articles

End of federal pay period being circled by pencil
March 25, 2025
So, you've dedicated years of service to the federal government. Now, the prospect of retirement shimmers on the horizon, promising a life of leisure, travel, and pursuing passions long set aside. But before you say goodbye to the 9-to-5, there's a crucial decision to make: when exactly should you retire? While any day that marks your escape from the daily grind might seem like a good one, strategically choosing your retirement date can significantly impact your federal employee benefits, potentially adding thousands to your retirement income. This isn't just about picking a date that's convenient; it's about understanding the complex interplay of federal retirement rules and maximizing your hard-earned benefits.
thumbnail of Capital and U.S. Flag
December 6, 2024
Federal employees, especially those nearing retirement age, should be aware of potential changes that could impact their retirement benefits. While details are still emerging, a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is being discussed, which could have implications for federal operations and retirement benefits. According to recent reports, this new department aims to increase transparency and efficiency in government operations. However, the full scope and implications of this initiative remain unclear. As with any significant change in government structure, there may be unforeseen consequences that could affect various aspects of federal employment, including the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) benefits.
thumbnail of magnifying glass over money and calendar
November 15, 2024
Federal employees often ponder the critical question: "When can I retire and receive full benefits?" Understanding the eligibility criteria under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) is essential for making informed retirement decisions.
thumbnail of money bridging gap
October 25, 2024
The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Supplement, also known as the Special Retirement Supplement (SRS), is a valuable benefit for eligible federal employees who retire before age 62. However, many retirees are surprised to learn that this supplement is subject to an earnings test, which can reduce or eliminate the benefit based on post-retirement income. Understanding how this earnings test works is crucial for federal retirees planning their financial future.
premium hike thumbnail
October 9, 2024
Federal workers are bracing for a significant increase in their health insurance costs come 2025. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced that Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program premiums will rise by an average of 13.5% next year. This marks the largest increase in almost two decades and comes on the heels of already substantial hikes in recent years.
thumbnail image of retired woman holding social security check
September 25, 2024
Social Security benefits play a crucial role in the financial security of millions of Americans during retirement. However, navigating the complex system of rules and regulations surrounding Social Security can be challenging. This guide aims to help you understand the key aspects of Social Security and provide strategies to maximize your benefits.
thumbnail of a couple holding map together
August 30, 2024
Insights and Strategies for Federal Employees
image of couple with umbrella
August 5, 2024
So, what exactly is Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance? Well, it's a type of permanent life insurance that offers a cash value component in addition to a death benefit. Unlike traditional whole life insurance, which offers a fixed interest rate, IUL insurance allows policyholders to potentially earn returns based on the performance of a market index, such as the S&P 500. This means that your cash value has the opportunity to grow at a faster rate than with a traditional whole life policy. Pretty cool, right?
image of air traffic controller
July 19, 2024
What are the age and service requirements to retire from the federal government? Read this blog to understand the latest federal employee retirement requirements.
More Posts
Share by: