Final answer:
The most significant benefit of a thrift federally chartered through the Office of Thrift Supervision (now under the OCC) is federal deposit insurance and regulatory oversight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most significant benefit received by a thrift that was federally chartered through the Office of Thrift Supervision (now under the OCC) is that it is eligible for federal deposit insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This means that the thrift's depositors are protected and guaranteed up to $250,000 per account in case of bank failure.
Additionally, being federally chartered through the OCC provides the thrift with regulatory oversight and supervision, ensuring that it complies with federal laws and regulations and operates in a safe and sound manner.
Finally, being federally chartered may also provide the thrift with access to certain advantages in terms of capital requirements, lending limits, and growth opportunities.