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Home→Agencies→Public Pensions→California→When someone dies

State Public Pensions in California: when someone dies

A 4-step process for CalPERS and CalSTRS after a death in California.

OverviewWhen someone dies

Public Pensions

California

calpers.ca.gov/members/death-benefits→

Administering agency

CalPERS and CalSTRS

Phone888-225-7377
WebsiteVisit website →
Verified May 2026

Steps to take

  1. Identify whether the deceased was a CalPERS member (state or local government) or a CalSTRS member (public school educator).
  2. Report the death to the system — CalPERS at 888-225-7377 or CalSTRS at 800-228-5453 — and send a certified death certificate.
  3. Confirm the beneficiary or recipient designation on file and ask what survivor or death benefit is payable.
  4. Apply for the survivor or death benefit; CalSTRS generally pays beneficiaries or the estate within 120 days of receiving all required information.

CalPERS and CalSTRS

Phone: 888-225-7377

Visit the agency website →

Frequently asked questions

Contact CalPERS at 888-225-7377 for a state or local government employee, or CalSTRS at 800-228-5453 for a public school educator. Both require a certified death certificate and an application — survivor benefits are not paid automatically.

CalPERS death benefits range from a return of the member's contributions plus interest to a monthly allowance. The amount depends on whether the member was active or retired and the retirement payment option elected, and is paid to the beneficiary on file or per the statutory beneficiary order.

Under the CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program, survivor benefits are payable whether death occurs before or after retirement, through Coverage A (a family allowance) or Coverage B (a survivor benefit). A caseworker contacts the recipient to complete the application after a death is reported.

Public Pensions

California

calpers.ca.gov/members/death-benefits→

Administering agency

CalPERS and CalSTRS

Phone888-225-7377
WebsiteVisit website →
Verified May 2026