State Public Pensions in California: when someone dies
A 4-step process for CalPERS and CalSTRS after a death in California.
OverviewWhen someone dies
Steps to take
- Identify whether the deceased was a CalPERS member (state or local government) or a CalSTRS member (public school educator).
- Report the death to the system — CalPERS at 888-225-7377, or CalSTRS at 800-228-5453 or through its online Notification of Death — and send a copy of the death certificate.
- Confirm the beneficiary or recipient designation on file and ask what survivor or death benefit is payable.
- Apply for the survivor or death benefit; a CalSTRS caseworker contacts the recipient by letter to complete the application, and CalSTRS generally pays beneficiaries or the estate within 120 days of receiving all necessary information.
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.
Sources
Data sourced from State Public Pensions in California primary sources (5 pages reviewed). How we research.