State Public Pensions in California
California public-employee pensions are administered by CalPERS for state and local government workers and by CalSTRS for public school educators. Survivor and death benefits range from a return of contributions to a monthly allowance, depending on whether the member was active or retired and the option they elected. Benefits are not paid automatically — a survivor must apply.
Steps to take when someone dies
Required Documents
- Certified death certificate: for a CalPERS member
- Copy of the death certificate: for a CalSTRS member. A copy of the death certificate must be sent to CalSTRS.
- Application for the survivor or death benefit: A CalSTRS caseworker contacts the recipient by letter to complete the application.
Timeline
CalSTRS generally pays survivor benefits to beneficiaries or the estate within 120 days of receiving all necessary information.
State Public Pensions in California: key facts
What California says4
- Reporting a death
Report the death to CalPERS or CalSTRS and apply for the benefit; survivor benefits are not paid automatically.1
- Death before retirement
CalPERS death benefits range from a return of the member's contributions plus interest to a monthly allowance, and the amount depends on whether the member was active or retired.1
The CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program provides survivor benefits before or after retirement under Coverage A (a family allowance) or Coverage B (a survivor benefit).2
- Death after retirement
For a CalPERS member, the amount of the death benefit also depends on the retirement payment option the member elected.1
CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program survivor benefits are also payable when death occurs after retirement.2
- Who receives the benefit
CalPERS pays the benefit to the beneficiary on file, or applies the statutory beneficiary order.1
Retirement systems2
- California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
State and local government workers3
Phone: 1-888-225-7377
- California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS)
Public school educators4
Phone: 1-800-228-5453
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time, Monday through Friday
California public pension benefits
CalPERS and CalSTRS
Phone
CalSTRS Contact Center
Website
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in California
Free calculators and checklists for planning or settling an estate in California: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in California: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 120 daysCal. Prob. Code §§ 8800-8804, 8900-8903Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsCal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420; CCP § 366.2Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 9 months to 12 months.
Are My Beneficiary Designations Protected?
California automatically revokes an ex-spouse as beneficiary at divorceCal. Prob. Code § 5040Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; employer plans under ERISA follow federal rules either way, so a 401(k) beneficiary changes only by a new designation.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
California is a community property state, so the surviving spouse already owns half of what the couple acquired during the marriage. Without a will in California, descendants divide what passes to them per capita with representationCal. Prob. Code § 240Verified Sep 10, 2026View source, and an heir must survive the decedent by 120 hoursCal. Prob. Code § 6403(a)Verified Sep 10, 2026View source to inherit.
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