
The TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) offers a variety of withdrawal options, but it's essential to understand the rules and eligibility requirements before making a withdrawal.
You can withdraw your TSP funds at age 59 1/2 without penalty, but you'll still need to pay income tax on the withdrawal.
To withdraw your TSP funds before age 59 1/2, you'll need to meet one of the plan's eligibility requirements, such as separation from service or disability.
Some withdrawals are subject to a 10% penalty, including withdrawals for non-separation from service before age 59 1/2.
You can withdraw your TSP funds in a lump sum or through a series of monthly payments, known as a systematic withdrawal.
TSP Withdrawal and Loans
If you're a federal civilian employee leaving federal employment, you can withdraw your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account funds.
You can withdraw your TSP account funds if you're 59 1/2 or older, or if you're leaving federal employment due to a separation from service.
You can also take a TSP loan if you're leaving federal employment, but you'll need to pay back the loan with interest.
TSP 70 Withdrawal Checklist
If you're planning to withdraw from your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), you'll need to complete the TSP 70 Checklist. This includes checking the box in Section V, which is a requirement for all types of withdrawals.
You'll also need to complete the relevant page(s) depending on the type of withdrawal you're requesting. If you're transferring your traditional (non-Roth) balance, you'll need to complete Page 4. If you're transferring your TSP Roth balance, you'll need to complete Page 5.
If you're transferring both traditional and Roth balances, you'll need to complete both Page 4 and Page 5. Make sure to include the completed page(s) with your withdrawal request package.
Here's a quick reference guide to help you keep track:
Request a Loan
To apply for a TSP loan, log in to My Account to begin the request.
You don't need to complete a paper loan application, but you may need to submit supporting documentation, depending on the type of loan you request.
Court Orders and Attorneys' Powers

Court orders related to divorce, separation, past-due alimony or child support obligations can divide a TSP account. This is a crucial consideration for those going through a divorce or separation.
A TSP account can be divided by a court order related to divorce or separation. This can be a complex process, so it's essential to understand the requirements.
To divide a TSP account, the court order must be related to divorce, separation, past-due alimony, or child support obligations. The order must specifically state that the TSP account is to be divided.
The TSP must find specific information in documents that grant a power of attorney (POA) to empower someone other than a TSP participant to transact business with the TSP.
Plan Limits and Contributions
Plan Limits and Contributions can be a bit confusing, but it's essential to understand them to avoid any issues with your government Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account.
The annual limit on elective deferrals for the TSP is determined by the IRS, and it's subject to change each year.
If you contribute too much to your TSP account during the year, you may need to take action to correct the excess deferral.
Plan Details and Options

In the US government's Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), you have several plan details and options to consider.
You can choose from three main investment options: the G Fund, which invests in short-term U.S. Treasury securities, the F Fund, which invests in long-term U.S. Treasury securities, and the C Fund, which invests in the Standard & Poor's 500 stock index.
The TSP offers five other investment options: the I Fund, which invests in international stocks, the S Fund, which invests in a small-cap stock index, the L Fund, which invests in a long-term corporate bond index, and the E Fund, which invests in a stock index of companies that meet environmental and social criteria.
These options can help you diversify your portfolio and potentially increase your returns over the long term.
Suggestion: Tsp Gold Investment
Annuities
Annuities can be one of the TSP distribution options after you separate from service or have a beneficiary participant account established.
There's a fact sheet on annuities that explains life annuities in more detail.
You can use a life annuity to provide a guaranteed income stream for life, which can be a great option for those who want to ensure a steady income in retirement.
On a similar theme: Company Income Tax Form
Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers to Eligible Retirement Plans

You can use this fact sheet if you're a plan administrator for an eligible employer plan or an IRA. It provides details on how to move money from a TSP account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TSP 3 form still valid?
No, the TSP-3 form with a date of 12/2008 or earlier is no longer valid and should be destroyed. Forms with this date are obsolete and should not be used.
What are the new rules for TSP withdrawal options?
TSP withdrawal rules have changed, eliminating the 30-day waiting period between requests. You can now withdraw funds from your account without delay
Sources
- https://www.fedweek.com/tsp/key-forms-and-resources-on-tsp-gov/
- https://tsp-withdrawal.com/form-tsp-70-checklist-request-for-full-withdrawal/
- https://www.tsp.gov/forms/
- https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/my-annuity-and-benefits/thrift-savings-plan/
- https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/new-employee-information-and-forms/benefits
Featured Images: pexels.com