The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) has made it easier to withdraw your contributions. Effective Sept.15, 2019, the TSP changed many of its withdrawal rules and loosened the restrictions on when you can access the money in your account. The TSP is a retirement program similar to a 401(k) account. Most people can contribute up to $19,000 annually (this amount changes each year). For members in the Blended Retirement System and Civil Service employees, the government will match a member's contribution, up to 5% of the member's base pay. Most of these changes affect those who have left the military or government and those who are retired. Read more on Military.com.