Information on Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Elective Deferral Limits and Catch-up or “Spillover” Contributions for Military Members
What is the elective deferral limit?
The elective deferral limit is the maximum amount members can contribute from their pay to their TSP account. It applies to both traditional and Roth TSP accounts.
- 2026 elective deferral limit
- The elective deferral limit for individuals under the age of 50 can contribute up to $24,500 per year into the TSP.
What is the catch-up or “spillover” contribution?
For those turning 50 or older, once you exceed the elective deferral limit, your contributions will “spillover” and automatically start counting toward the catch-up limit.
- 2026 spillover contribution limits
- Those aged 50 and above can make catch-up or “spillover” contributions of an additional $8,000, for a total of $32,500 per year ($24,500 + 8,000)..
For those younger than 50: If a military member is under the age of 50, the pay system will automatically prevent them from contributing more than the elective deferral limit each year.
For those 50 or older: If a military member is turning 50 or older, contributions will continue until catch-up eligible participants reach the combined elective deferral and catch-up or “spillover” limits for the year.
- Service members turning 50 or older who do not wish to contribute toward the catch-up limit should adjust their contributions accordingly by visiting their myPay account.
- Participants ages 60, 61, 62, and 63 are eligible for higher catch-up contributions of $11,250. In the years participants turn 64 and older, the catch-up limit will return to the regular catch-up limit amount.
- Note: Starting Jan. 1, 2026, if you are 50 years old or older with an income over $150,000 in the previous year, all catch-up contributions must be made into the Roth TSP.
- For more information on spillover contributions visit: https://www.tsp.gov/making-contributions/contribution-limits/?tab=summar
If you have questions about excess contribution, you can call the DFAS Customer Care Center at 1-888-332-7411 or you can visit your local finance office.
For more information, please visit the following webpages:
Active Duty Military Member:
https://www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/tspformilitary/tspac/
Reserve/Guard Military Member:
https://www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/tspformilitary/tsprc/
Or visit the TSP website:
https://www.tsp.gov/
Page updated December 11, 2026