Q. I joined federal service in July 1985, at which time I was placed under FERS. Between July 1985 and January 1987, the official start-up date of FERS, I was not able to contribute to the TSP. Since January 1987 I have contributed the maximum 10 percent to TSP. As I get closer to retirement I’m curious if the government recognizes the lost opportunity of not being able to make TSP contributions between July 1985 and January 1987. Is there any way to make-up for lost TSP contributions and lost government matching?
A. Not unless you can prove that there was an error that improperly prevented you from making contributions that you should have been able to make.
