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 $145,000, 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 $145,000 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 $145,000 figure is set by law and adjusted for inflation over time. 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 $145,000, 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 $145,000, 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 $145,000. 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.

Sources & links

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