Beneficiary updating

[Skramy]

One of my 3 beneficiaries has incorrect SS number. Last digit is incorrect. Can't correct it online. Called TSP - gal said she can't access SS numbers either.
Is it possible to delete ​one beneficiary online, and then 'add' the same person with the correct info?

Note: Last time I updated bene's was 2019. I mailed in a TSP-3 form. My photo copy of that form has correct info.

 

[tsptalk]

So the TSP screwed up the SSN? Wow.

I would only be speculating when saying it should be possible to delete / add bene's as needed online, but I haven't tried that so not much help.

 

[Skramy]

Well, here I am a year later. (see my top post). I could try deleting the entire incorrect bene, then re-enter correct info.
But, being there are THREE bene's, will that mess things up since 33% plus 33% doesn't equal 100% ?
Or, should I enter the correct bene info as a 4th, and then delete the incorrect bene?
Or, would I have to delete all three - then re-enter the three?
Anyone have a similar problem?

 

[tsptalk]

See if AI helps. I asked Grok your 1st post question...

https://x.com/i/grok/share/DMOGPXg7s0uYpUVC63leMmBV1

 

[Skramy]

Tried for hours to update bene's online. TSP has tutorial videos. How to add bene, delete bene, how to add a witness, etc. But none of these vids are available. Baffled. Says: "TSP-3 no longer used. Can easily make changes online." (lol)
So, I googled 'TSP-3.' Some gvmt branches still use this form. Downloaded. Looks about the same.
I'll fill it in, and mail it. Maybe attach a note. See what happens.
I'll let y'all know. Well, whenever...
EDIT: 'maybe attach this post'

 

[exnavyew]

Tried for hours to update bene's online. TSP has tutorial videos. How to add bene, delete bene, how to add a witness, etc. But none of these vids are available. Baffled. Says: "TSP-3 no longer used. Can easily make changes online." (lol)
So, I googled 'TSP-3.' Some gvmt branches still use this form. Downloaded. Looks about the same.
I'll fill it in, and mail it. Maybe attach a note. See what happens.
I'll let y'all know. Well, whenever...
EDIT: 'maybe attach this post'

Next week maybe call TSP and ask them to walk you through it.
Good Luck.

 

[Skramy]

UPDATE: To my beneficiary updates. As I noted before, ALL beneficiary video tutorials are "currently not available".
Found a Form TSP-3 online, filled it in, (photocopied for my record).
On June 4th I mailed it to TSP - Box 385021- - (address was on several forms)
On June 20, was returned to me. "return to sender- not deliverable as addressed- unable to forward"
Envelope was unopened.
Note: Envelope had my name and address, and handwritten "TSP-3". (Should have left that off).
As suggested, I'll call TSP for information. AARGH !

 

[Skramy]

JULY28 Update:
Finally called #800 number. I have 3 Benes. #1 was OK... #2 changed address online.OK.... #3 - SS number error. Have to delete all, re-enter.
So, deleted #3. For acceptance of the two remaining, had to change to 50% and 50%.
Could NOT reenter #3. Beneficiary Summary says "Current Primary Benes, Pending Primary Benes." PENDING.
Evidently it take time for full beneficiary updates. I'll check back a day or two.
Anyone noticed a delay for bene changes?
EDIT: The video tutorials are (2024) still not available. Oh, and TSP requires witness full name and email.
EDIT July 29: Found page that says "info submitted". Will receive notice when action taken on "pending" changes. EDIT: how long is "when"?
NOTE: The gal on the phone 7/28 was very helpful. Biggest problem - prolly my inexperience at this.

 

[James48843]

Another hit out of the park for the criminal handling of our TSP. It should never take a year to update a beneficiary.

 

[Skramy]

After 60+ days - "pending" deleted, back to original 3 benes. Start over.
Today, have a new question about witness:
TSP sends e-mail to my witness for conformation. Or, I can have a 'witness form' sent to me, have witness sign.
What info about the witness does TSP want.? S.S. number? My planned witness said "NO WAY I'm giving them my S.S. number"
So, anyone here used a witness - either e-mail or witness form? What was required?

 

[tsptalk]

Grok:

### Witness Requirements for TSP-3 Form (Designation of Beneficiary)

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Form TSP-3 is used by federal civilian employees and uniformed services members to designate beneficiaries for their TSP account. As of 2025, the TSP strongly recommends completing beneficiary designations **online through My Account** at tsp.gov, which does not require witnesses. However, if submitting a paper form (e.g., due to access limitations), use the current version dated **05/2017**—earlier editions are obsolete and invalid.

The paper form requires **only one witness** (a change implemented in May 2017 to simplify the process, down from two previously required). The witness must meet these criteria:
- Be **21 years of age or older**.
- **Not be designated** as a primary or contingent beneficiary on the form (doing so invalidates the witness's role and may affect the form's validity).
- Sign in **black or dark blue ink** (no pencils, alterations, or white-out allowed).

#### Information Required from the Witness
In **Section IV: Signatures** (on page 1 and replicated on every subsequent page, including any photocopied additional sheets for more beneficiaries), the witness must provide:
- **Printed full name** (legibly typed or handwritten).
- **Signature** (handwritten; must match the printed name).
- **Date signed** (in MM/DD/YYYY format; all signatures on the form must be dated the same day).

By signing, the witness affirms **under penalty of perjury** that:
- The participant (you) signed the form in the witness's presence, **or**
- The participant acknowledged to the witness that the signature is their own (even if signed earlier).

The **same single witness** must sign and date **every page** of the form, including any attached blank sheets for additional beneficiaries (e.g., up to 8 primaries or 4 contingents). Incomplete witnessing invalidates the entire form.

#### Submission and Tips
- Mail the original signed form to: Thrift Savings Plan, P.O. Box 385021, Birmingham, AL 35238-5021, or fax to 1-866-817-5042.
- Keep a copy for your records, but do not submit via agency personnel—they cannot process or file it.
- Online designations automatically override paper forms and require no witnesses—update via My Account after life events.
- If no valid designation is on file, TSP follows the statutory order of precedence (spouse first, then children, etc.).

For the form and full instructions, visit tsp.gov/forms or call 1-877-968-3778. Always use the latest version to avoid rejection.

TSP Beneficiary Forms: Requirements and Process | Shared Grok Conversation

What information is required from a witness signing a tsp change to beneficiary form?

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