TSP Beneficiary Information

Distribution According to the TSP Designation of Beneficiary

Did you know that when you die, the TSP will not honor a will when distributing your account? Neither will it honor a prenuptial agreement, a separation agreement, a property settlement agreement, a court order, or a trust document.

The only document the TSP will use to distribute death benefits is Form TSP-3, Designation of Beneficiary (formerly TSP-U-3 for uniformed services members). By law, the TSP must pay your properly designated beneficiary, or beneficiaries, under all circumstances.

Distribution According to the Statutory Order of Precedence

If you do not have a Designation of Beneficiary form on file with the TSP, your money will be distributed according to the following order of precedence required by law:

◦    To your spouse;

◦    If none, to your child or children equally, and to the descendants of deceased children;

◦    If none, to your parents equally or your surviving parent;

◦    If none, to your appointed executor or administrator of your estate;

◦    If none, to your next of kin who is entitled to your estate under the laws of the state in which you resided at the time of your death.