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TSP and the BRS match, 10% deployed savings, and military life insurance.

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Money & Retirement

TSP and the BRS match, 10% deployed savings, and military life insurance. Every fact links to the official source. Last checked Oct 20, 2026.

5benefits on this page✓checked Oct 20, 2026↗official source on every card

TSP and the BRS match

What you get

Under the Blended Retirement System, the government adds to your TSP.

Key facts
  • Automatic 1% of basic pay, even if you put in nothing (starts after 60 days of service).
  • Matching: dollar for dollar on the first 3% you put in, 50 cents per dollar on the next 2%.
  • Put in 5% and you get 5% more (1% automatic + 4% match), 10% total.
  • New members get matching after 2 years and 1 day of service. Contributions stop after 26 years.
How to apply

How to get it: Set your TSP percentage in myPay. Use our calculator below to see your match.

Go to the official page →

Source: TSP.gov · checked Oct 20, 2026

Savings Deposit Program (SDP)

What you get

Earn 10% a year on savings while deployed.

Key facts
  • 10% annual interest on up to $10,000 (principal plus interest); money above $10,000 earns nothing.
  • Eligible after 30 consecutive days (or 1 day in each of 3 consecutive months) in a combat zone, or in a hazardous duty / direct-support area while getting hostile fire or imminent danger pay.
  • Deposits of $5 or more from unallotted pay and allowances, by allotment, cash or check.
  • SDP interest is taxable (per CFPB).
How to apply

How to get it: Ask your finance office to start SDP deposits by allotment, cash or check.

Go to the official page →

Source: DFAS; DoD FMR Vol 7A Ch 51 · checked Oct 20, 2026

SGLI: life insurance while you serve

What you get

Low-cost group life insurance for service members.

Key facts
  • Coverage up to $500,000, in $50,000 steps.
  • Premium: 5 cents per $1,000 of coverage, plus $1 a month for TSGLI.
  • 120 days of free coverage after you leave the military.
How to apply

How to get it: Manage coverage in the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) through milConnect.

Go to the official page →

Source: VA.gov · checked Oct 20, 2026

FSGLI: coverage for your family

What you get

Life insurance for your spouse and children.

Key facts
  • Spouse: up to $100,000, never more than your SGLI coverage.
  • Each dependent child: $10,000, free.
How to apply

How to get it: Manage it in SOES through milConnect.

Go to the official page →

Source: VA.gov · checked Oct 20, 2026

VGLI: keep coverage after you separate

What you get

Turn your SGLI into lifetime-renewable coverage as a veteran.

Key facts
  • $10,000 to $500,000, based on your SGLI coverage when you left.
  • You can add $25,000 one year after getting VGLI and every 5 years after, up to $500,000, until age 60.
How to apply

How to get it: Apply on VA.gov.

Go to the official page →

Source: VA.gov · checked Oct 20, 2026

BRS match calculator

Uses the TSP formula: 1% automatic + 100% match on your first 3% + 50% on the next 2%. Matching starts after 2 years and 1 day of service for new members.

Enter your basic pay to see your match.

Basic pay only. Special pay and bonuses aren't matched. Estimate, not a guarantee. Formula from TSP.gov, checked Oct 20, 2026.

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