TSP in 2026: New Limits and the Roth Catch-Up Rule for High Earners

The short version

For 2026 you can contribute up to $24,500 of your own pay to the TSP, with an extra $8,000 catch-up at 50 and up to $11,250 at ages 60 to 63. Under the Blended Retirement System, the government still matches up to 5% of your base pay when you put in at least 5%. New this year: if your 2025 wages topped $150,000, your catch-up contributions have to go into Roth.

What are the 2026 contribution limits?

These are the ceilings from your own pay for 2026:

1. Elective deferral limit: $24,500. The base amount you can put in across Traditional and Roth TSP combined (up from $23,500 in 2025).
2. Age 50+ catch-up: an extra $8,000, for $32,500 total.
3. Ages 60 to 63 “super” catch-up: $11,250, for $35,750 total. It drops back to the normal catch-up at 64.

These limits are for your contributions. They do not count the government’s matching money.

Why do some catch-up contributions have to be Roth?

Starting January 1, 2026, a provision from the SECURE 2.0 law kicks in. If you were paid more than $150,000 in Social Security (FICA) wages in 2025 from your current employer (that is Box 3 of your W-2), then any catch-up contribution you make in 2026 has to be Roth (after-tax) rather than Traditional (pre-tax). The threshold started at $145,000 under the law and is adjusted for inflation over time; it is $150,000 for 2026. This only affects the catch-up portion above $24,500; your first $24,500 can still be Traditional, Roth, or a mix.

Does this actually affect me?

For most junior enlisted, no: base pay alone will not clear $150,000, and the catch-up only exists once you turn 50. But do not tune it out, because it can reach you:

1. Senior enlisted, warrant, and senior officers approaching or past 50 who stack base pay with bonuses and special pays.
2. Dual-military or high civilian-income households where your own FICA wages from one employer top the line.
3. Anyone who separates into a high-paying federal or private job and keeps contributing to a workplace plan, since the same rule applies there.

What about the new in-plan Roth conversions?

Separately in 2026, the TSP added in-plan Roth conversions, letting participants move money from Traditional to Roth inside their account. You pay tax on the converted amount in the year you convert, so converting a large balance can create a big tax bill. Run the numbers before you touch it.

The government match is free money. Contribute at least 5% every month and do not max out early.

Do this now

1. Set your contribution to at least 5%. The match is calculated per pay period, so 5% or more each month captures the full match.
2. Spread it across the year. If you max out the $24,500 before December, your contributions stop and so does your match for the remaining months.
3. Check your 2025 W-2 Box 3 if you are near $150,000, so you know whether your catch-up must be Roth.

FAQ

How much can I put in my TSP in 2026?

$24,500 from your pay, plus an $8,000 catch-up at 50 and up to $11,250 at ages 60 to 63.

Does the government match count against my limit?

No. The 5% Blended Retirement System match is on top of your own contributions.

Do I have to make my catch-up Roth?

Only if your prior-year FICA wages (W-2 Box 3) were more than $150,000. Otherwise you can still choose Traditional or Roth.

What happens if I max out before December?

Your contributions stop, and so does the match for the remaining pay periods, so spread contributions across the year.

Where to get help

Free, trusted help is available:

• Military OneSource financial counseling: free and confidential for service members and families.
• Your installation’s Personal Financial Counselor or family support center: free one-on-one help on base.
• DoD Personal Financial Counselor locator: find a counselor near you.

Sources & links

• Thrift Savings Plan: Contribution limits
• IRS: Retirement plan contribution limits and SECURE 2.0 catch-up rules
• TSP: Traditional and Roth contributions

VetraFi does not provide financial, investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. The content provided is for informational purposes only. You should consult your own advisors before engaging in any transaction.

Earn It.