TSP 70a

Understanding Form TSP-70A in 2025

Form TSP-70A, officially known as the “Late Request for Full Withdrawal,” has a highly restricted role in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) system as of 2025. This form is no longer a standard tool for initiating TSP withdrawals. Instead, it exists only for special, limited-use scenarios and cannot be downloaded or accessed freely like other TSP forms.

You may only be eligible to use Form TSP-70A if your TSP account meets specific exceptional criteria, such as being declared abandoned or involving unusual circumstances related to your federal employment separation.

TSP Form Changes: What’s Obsolete and What’s Not

In previous years, Form TSP-70 (Request for Full Withdrawal) and Form TSP-70A were more accessible for retiring or separated federal employees. However, since late 2023, these paper forms have been largely replaced by digital tools within the TSP My Account portal. Now in 2025, both TSP-70 and TSP-70A are considered obsolete for routine use.

• Form TSP-70 is only accepted in limited cases and must be requested directly from TSP.
• Form TSP-70A is restricted to rare, case-by-case situations such as legal disputes or account reactivation.

TSP now encourages all standard withdrawals and related actions to be initiated online unless your account meets the exceptions defined by the TSP office.

When Form TSP-70A May Be Required

You might qualify for the use of Form TSP-70A if your situation fits one of the following exceptional categories:

• Your TSP account was declared abandoned due to prolonged inactivity or lack of contact.
• You are attempting to complete a late withdrawal years after separation due to legal, administrative, or marital complications.
• Your account has undergone reinstatement after being closed in error or due to unresolved documentation.
• Your withdrawal eligibility involves a spousal consent issue or a situation requiring re-certification.

The form is not available to the public. You must call the ThriftLine or use secure messaging through your online TSP account to explain your situation and request access.

How to Know If You Qualify to Use TSP-70A

If you’re unsure whether Form TSP-70A is the right form for your withdrawal, assess your situation based on the following:

• Are you a former federal employee who separated years ago and never withdrew your TSP funds?
• Has your account been flagged by TSP as abandoned or dormant due to prolonged inactivity?
• Were you previously unable to complete a withdrawal due to legal or marital status issues?
• Has TSP informed you that your account requires a manual withdrawal process?

If you answered yes to any of the above, your case may qualify for TSP-70A. Always confirm eligibility by contacting TSP directly.

Timeline of the Withdrawal Process with TSP-70A

Because Form TSP-70A is reserved for non-standard cases, the process follows a more manual and elongated timeline compared to online withdrawals:

1. Account Identification and Verification (1–2 weeks):
   TSP reviews your account for eligibility and flags it for special handling.
2. Requesting the Form (1–2 weeks):
   You must contact TSP and explain your case. If accepted, they will send the form to your mailing address or via secure means.
3. Form Completion and Return (2–3 weeks):
   Complete the form carefully, obtain spousal consent if applicable, and return it using the instructions provided.
4. Processing and Final Disbursement (4–6 weeks):
   TSP manually reviews the submission, verifies all components, and processes the withdrawal.

Overall, you should expect 8 to 12 weeks for the complete cycle from request to distribution, depending on the complexity of your case and the accuracy of your submission.

Common Scenarios That Require TSP-70A

TSP-70A is only triggered in rare and sometimes unexpected events. Some common situations that may apply in 2025 include:

• Retired federal employees who never made a withdrawal after separation.
• Cases where original spousal consent documentation was lost or invalid.
• Accounts discovered during estate processing or after a participant’s death where the status was unclear.
• Participants who lived abroad for extended periods and were unaware of their withdrawal options.

These are sensitive situations that require coordination with the TSP office. You will not be able to resolve them online.

What to Do If You Don’t Qualify for TSP-70A

If your account is active, your separation is recent, or no legal complications are involved, you likely don’t need Form TSP-70A. Instead, consider these available options:

• Full withdrawal online via your TSP account dashboard
• Form TSP-77 for partial withdrawals after separation
• Installment payments setup within your account portal
• Transfer to an IRA or another eligible retirement plan

These options are far more efficient and usually process within 7 to 14 business days after submission.

Spousal Consent and TSP-70A

One of the primary barriers to TSP withdrawals — especially for traditional (non-Roth) balances — is the requirement for spousal consent. This applies to married FERS and CSRS participants seeking full withdrawals.

In some TSP-70A scenarios, spousal consent:

• May have been previously denied, waived, or invalidated.
• Must be re-collected under updated legal terms.
• Could require notarized documentation or legal representation.

TSP takes spousal consent seriously to protect marital rights in federal retirement plans. If your situation involves divorce, remarriage, or spouse location issues, be prepared for additional paperwork and longer timelines.

How to Contact TSP About Form TSP-70A

To access Form TSP-70A, you must reach out directly to the TSP office. Use one of the following official channels:

• ThriftLine (Domestic): 1‑877‑968‑3778
• ThriftLine (International): 404‑233‑4400
• TDD: 877‑847‑4385 (for hearing impaired)
• Secure Messaging: Log into your TSP My Account and use the messaging feature to request guidance.

Clearly explain your situation, including your separation date, any known issues, and what steps you’ve taken so far. Be patient — requests involving TSP-70A typically require manual case assignment.

Avoiding Delays: Best Practices If You’re Using TSP-70A

To reduce the chances of delay, follow these best practices:

• Use a permanent mailing address when requesting the form.
• Ensure all personal details (SSN, date of birth, separation date) are accurate.
• Confirm spousal consent is properly signed and notarized if required.
• Submit via certified mail or trackable method if returning by post.
• Keep copies of everything you submit.

Any missing detail could extend your processing time by weeks. Double-check before mailing.

How TSP Treats Abandoned Accounts in 2025

If your account is inactive and you’ve been separated from service for an extended period without making a withdrawal or required decision, it may be classified as abandoned.

In 2025, the TSP defines an account as abandoned if:

• You separated more than 10 years ago and have not made contact or taken action.
• Your mailing address is undeliverable, and no beneficiary contact exists.
• No withdrawals, rollovers, or communications have occurred since separation.

TSP notifies affected participants (if possible), and accounts may be held in suspense or turned over to unclaimed property programs. Form TSP-70A is sometimes the only mechanism to recover these funds, especially if digital access is no longer viable.

Why Online Withdrawals Are Preferred

TSP strongly encourages the use of online withdrawals for participants who have standard needs:

• Secure login via your TSP account with two-factor authentication
• Faster processing than manual forms
• Real-time tracking of payment disbursements
• No printing, mailing, or spousal mailing complications

Unless you’ve been specifically instructed by TSP to use TSP-70A, this form should not be part of your regular withdrawal strategy in 2025.

Key Takeaways for Federal Employees in 2025

• TSP-70A is only for rare, unresolved, or legacy withdrawal cases.
• Most withdrawals should be handled online unless otherwise instructed.
• Manual form use introduces longer timelines and requires careful attention to documentation.
• Contacting TSP early — especially after long separation — can help you avoid delays.

Planning Ahead for TSP Withdrawals

If you’re approaching retirement or have recently separated, take proactive steps to manage your TSP account:

• Keep your contact information updated within your My Account portal.
• Consider a full or partial withdrawal within 1 to 2 years of separation.
• If complications arise, contact TSP before delays result in an abandoned status.
• Don’t wait until issues escalate into a special form request like TSP-70A.

Understanding these timelines and policies can help you protect your retirement savings and avoid bureaucratic slowdowns.

Protecting Your TSP Access in Special Cases

For those facing complications, make sure you:

• Keep proof of separation date from federal service
• Monitor mail and email for any notifications from TSP
• Assign and update beneficiaries regularly
• Store copies of all correspondence and withdrawal actions

Being proactive ensures your access to funds doesn’t require special manual forms years down the line.

Secure the Right Withdrawal Strategy

Your TSP account is a crucial part of your retirement plan. While Form TSP-70A serves a necessary purpose for unique situations, it’s not part of the standard process in 2025. Understand your account status, act early after separation, and maintain clear documentation.

If you need help understanding your options or think you may qualify for a special withdrawal method, consider getting in touch with a licensed agent listed on this website for professional advice.