Get Your TSP Match

The short version

Under the Blended Retirement System (BRS), the government puts money into your Thrift Savings Plan, and that includes drilling Guard and Reserve members. Contribute 5% of your drill pay and the government can add up to 5% on top. Leaving that on the table is leaving free money behind.

How does the 5% match work on drill pay?

BRS gives you an automatic 1% government contribution plus up to 4% in matching, for a total of 5% when you contribute at least 5% yourself. For Guard and Reserve members, this rides on your inactive-duty (drill) pay and your active-duty pay alike.

How the match works

• 1% automatic contribution, even if you put in nothing.
• Up to 4% match when you contribute 5%. The formula runs dollar for dollar on the first 3% and 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2%.
• Counts on drill pay and active-duty pay.

The fine print

• Only BRS participants get matching. Members under the legacy retirement system who did not opt in do not receive matching contributions.
• Matching starts after 2 years of service for those who entered on or after January 1, 2018.
• You must contribute to get the match. Aim for at least 5%.

Contribute at least 5% of your drill pay. The government 5% is a 100% return before your investments earn a dime.

Source: DoD Blended Retirement and TSP

What are the 2026 contribution limits?

The 2026 elective deferral limit is 24,500 dollars, up from 23,500 dollars. The catch-up limit at age 50 is 8,000 dollars, and for ages 60 to 63 it is 11,250 dollars.

Those ceilings matter less on drill pay alone, since a full year of drills and annual training for a junior enlisted member runs in the low thousands. They matter a great deal on a mobilization, when your percentage suddenly applies to full active-duty basic pay. See Activation Money.

Source: IRS and TSP Bulletin 25-3

How do I make sure I am actually getting it?

Drill pay is irregular, so check your LES and TSP statements to confirm the match is flowing. Set your contribution as a percentage so it scales with each drill and active-duty period. If you opted into BRS or joined after 2018, confirm your matching clock and election in myPay. Timing is its own problem on the Reserve Component side, covered in Budgeting on Drill Pay.

Where should the money go?

For most younger members, a low-cost, age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) fund is a simple, diversified default. The point is less about picking funds and more about capturing the full match and letting time and compounding work across a long Guard or Reserve career.

Things to consider

• Set contributions to at least 5% as a percentage, not a dollar amount.
• Look at Roth TSP, especially in low-tax years. See Roth vs. Traditional TSP.
• Use an L fund if you do not want to manage allocations.

Do this now

1. Set your TSP contribution to at least 5% of drill pay in myPay.
2. Confirm the match is showing on your LES and TSP statements.
3. Pick a fund. An L fund is a reasonable default.
4. Revisit after 2 years of service when matching begins, if it has not already.
5. Raise your percentage the month any mobilization orders start.

FAQ

Do reservists really get a TSP match?

Under BRS, yes. The 1% automatic and up to 4% matching apply to drill (inactive-duty) pay and active-duty pay.

When does matching start?

After two years of service for members who entered on or after January 1, 2018. Those who opted into BRS got matching upon opting in.

What if I am not on BRS?

Members under the legacy system who did not opt in do not receive matching contributions. You can still contribute to the TSP.

How much should I contribute?

At least 5% to capture the full government match, and more if you can.

What is the 2026 limit?

24,500 dollars in elective deferrals, with an 8,000 dollar catch-up at age 50 and 11,250 dollars for ages 60 to 63.

Roth or traditional?

Roth TSP can be attractive in low-income years, and traditional lowers your taxable income now. Many members split the difference. A free financial counselor can walk your numbers.

Where to get help

• myPay to set your contribution percentage: mypay.dfas.mil
• TSP for account and fund questions: tsp.gov
• Military OneSource, free financial counseling 24/7, 800-342-9647: militaryonesource.mil
• Your state or installation Personal Financial Counselor for a free sit-down.

Verification Notes

• 2026 limits change annually. Re-verify against IRS and TSP each autumn and bump Date Updated.
• Combat-zone contributions: TSP's contribution-types page and its own fact sheet conflict on whether tax-exempt traditional contributions are permitted, and on which catch-up contributions must be Roth. This article deliberately gives no prescriptive guidance on that point. Confirm with TSP before adding any.
• Matching on drill pay specifically is not separately addressed on tsp.gov, which speaks to basic pay generally. Reviewer should confirm the wording does not overstate.

Sources & links

• DoD, Blended Retirement System: militarypay.defense.gov
• TSP, Contribution types and matching: tsp.gov
• TSP, Bulletin 25-3, 2026 contribution limits: tsp.gov
• IRS, 2026 contribution limits: irs.gov
• Military OneSource, Blended Retirement System: militaryonesource.mil

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.

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