The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is undergoing some major changes this fall which will make it much easier to withdraw funds. Beginning Sep. 15, 2019 any in-service withdrawals you take will have no effect on the number of post-separation partial withdrawals you can take. You can also elect an installment payment plan after you retire and if you need a big lump-sum payment for an emergency, you can get it. You will also be able to change your installment payment plans whenever you want. You can change the amount you get each month, or switch between a monthly, quarterly or annual installment payment plan. Currently you can only make minor adjustments to a payment installment plan, and only once a year during open-season. Read more on Military.com.