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TSP monthly withdrawal calculator

See how long a fixed monthly payment may last under one return assumption.

Rule snapshot
Reviewed
Primary sources
TSP and current 5 CFR distribution rules
Privacy
Inputs stay in this browser

Model a withdrawal plan

One combined balance.

TSP minimum: $25.

Choose -50% through 20%.

Use 0 for a level payment.

Choose 1 through 60.

Withdrawal result

Enter five values to estimate the balance path.

What this model does

It tests one balance path. It does not predict TSP fund returns.

  1. 01

    Apply monthly growth

    The annual return becomes an equivalent monthly rate.

  2. 02

    Subtract the payment

    Each requested withdrawal is taken after that month's modeled growth.

  3. 03

    Repeat or reach zero

    The result reports the selected-period balance or the final modeled payment month.

Boundaries before you act

  • Planning scenario only; actual TSP fund returns and account values change daily
  • One combined balance; Traditional, Roth, tax-exempt, and core-fund sources are not projected separately
  • Fixed-dollar installments only; life-expectancy installments, annuities, RMDs, and beneficiary accounts are excluded
  • No eligibility, spouse-rights, court-order, rollover, tax, or withholding determination

TSP monthly withdrawal questions

How long will my TSP last with monthly withdrawals?

The modeled duration depends on the starting balance, withdrawal amount, investment-return assumption, annual payment change, and timing. This calculator applies the same return each month, so it is a planning scenario rather than a forecast of actual TSP fund performance.

What monthly installment amount does TSP allow?

Current TSP regulations allow fixed-dollar installments of at least $25, paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. A participant may have one installment series at a time and can change or stop it under TSP procedures.

Does TSP automatically increase a fixed payment each year?

No. The annual increase entered here is a modeling choice, not an automatic TSP feature. TSP fixed-dollar installments remain the requested amount until the participant changes them.

Is a monthly TSP installment the same as a life annuity?

No. Installments continue to draw from the TSP account and remain subject to investment results. A life annuity uses money to purchase an annuity contract under separate rules and pricing.

Does this estimate TSP taxes or required minimum distributions?

No. It does not calculate withholding, income tax, early-distribution tax, or a required minimum distribution. Use the separate FedUp.work TSP tax and RMD tools for those questions.