BRS vs Legacy · TSP Matching · Retirement Wealth

TSP &
RETIREMENT

See exactly how much your military retirement is worth — and whether BRS or Legacy puts more money in your pocket over a lifetime.

40%

at 20 yrs

BRS Pension

50%

at 20 yrs

Legacy Pension

max (BRS only)

DoD TSP Match

avg annual est.

TSP Growth

Retirement Calculator

Rank at Retirement

Retirement Plan

Default for enlisted Jan 1, 2018 or later

Years of Service20 yrs

1 yr20 yrs (pension vests)30 yrs

Monthly TSP Contribution5%

0%✓ Full DoD match15%

BRS vs Legacy — what you need to know

↗BRS: 40% pension at 20 years (2.0%/yr) + DoD matches TSP contributions up to 5% of base pay.

↗High-36 / Legacy: 50% pension at 20 years (2.5%/yr) — but zero TSP matching from the government.

⚠If you leave before 20 years — BRS: your TSP is yours (vested at 2 years). Legacy: you receive nothing.

✓Always contribute at least 5% under BRS to capture the full DoD match. That is free money.

Which Retirement System Are You On?

Not sure? If you enlisted on or after January 1, 2018, you are on BRS. If before — you are on High-36 (Legacy), unless you opted into BRS during the 2018 window.

Plan	Who	Pension at 20 yrs	TSP Matching
Final Pay	Entered before Sep 8, 1980	50% (2.5%/yr)	None
High-36Legacy	Entered Sep 1980 – Dec 31, 2017	50% (2.5%/yr)	None
BRS	Entered Jan 1, 2018 or later	40% (2.0%/yr)	Up to 5%
Chapter 61	Medical discharge, 30%+ rating	Based on rating	Varies

2026 TSP Contribution Limits

Updated

Standard limit

Up $1,000 from 2025 ($23,500)

$24,500/yr

Catch-up (age 50+)

Total: $32,500

+$8,000/yr

Super catch-up (age 60–63)

Total: $35,750 — SECURE Act 2.0

+$11,250/yr

New in 2026: In-plan Roth conversion. You can now convert existing Traditional (pre-tax) TSP funds to Roth (after-tax) within the plan — without rolling out to an IRA. Note: the converted amount is added to your taxable income for that year. Consult a tax advisor before converting.

Mandatory Roth catch-up: If your wages exceed $150,000/year, catch-up contributions must go to the Roth TSP (SECURE Act 2.0 requirement).

Source: IRS Notice 2025-75 · TSP.gov · FedSmith.com (Dec 2025)

⚠️ Projections assume 7% average annual TSP return (C-fund historical average). Actual results may vary. Pension calculations use 2025 base pay tables at stated years of service. This is not financial advice — consult a military financial advisor or your installation's Financial Readiness Office.

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