How to Update Your Thrift Savings Plan Address

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment program for federal employees and members of the uniformed services. Maintaining a current mailing address is important for your TSP account. An accurate address ensures you receive essential statements, tax documents, and other official communications. It also contributes to the security and proper administration of your retirement savings, helping avoid delays or issues with account access and transactions.

Gathering Your Information

Before changing your address with the TSP, gather all necessary details. Having this information readily accessible streamlines the update process, whether you update online or by mail. You will need your TSP account number and your Social Security Number (SSN) for verification.

Prepare your complete new mailing address, including the street, city, state, and zip code. Your previous mailing address might also be requested for verification. Consider if you need to update any other contact information, such as a new phone number or email address, to ensure all your records are consistent. This preparation helps in accurately completing any required forms or online fields.

Updating Your Address Through My Account

Updating your TSP address online through “My Account” is a convenient method for many participants, especially those who have separated from federal service. Begin by navigating to the official TSP website and logging into your “My Account” portal. This involves entering your username and password, followed by any multi-factor authentication steps.

Once logged in, locate the section for personal information or profile management, often found under a “Settings” or “Profile” tab. Within this section, you will find the fields for your current mailing address. Input your new street address, city, state, and zip code. After entering the updated information, review it thoroughly to ensure accuracy. The system will then prompt you to confirm the changes, and you may need to answer security questions or complete additional verification steps.

Updating Your Address by Mail

For separated participants or those who prefer mail, update your address using TSP Form 9, “Change of Address for Separated Participant.” This form is designed for individuals no longer actively employed by the federal government or uniformed services. Download TSP Form 9 from the TSP website.

Fill in all required fields on the form, using the data you previously gathered. This includes your TSP account number, Social Security Number, and both your previous and new mailing addresses. Write legibly to prevent processing delays. After completing the form, sign and date it, as an unsigned form cannot be processed. Mail the completed form to the TSP Service Office at P.O. Box 385021, Birmingham, AL 35238. Sending the form via certified mail with a return receipt provides proof of mailing and delivery, though it is not a strict requirement.

What Happens After Your Update

After submitting your address change, you can anticipate a confirmation of the update. If you updated online, you will often receive an immediate on-screen confirmation or an email notification. For updates submitted by mail, a confirmation statement may be sent to your new address, typically within a few weeks of processing.

Processing time for an address change can vary, but generally, it is reflected in your account within a few business days to a couple of weeks. Monitor your account online or through subsequent statements to ensure the address has been successfully updated. New statements and official communications from the TSP will then be directed to your updated address, serving as final verification.