Estate planning and settlement at CalPERS
Name beneficiaries online, fund a trust by mail, and report a death at 1-888-225-7377
When a member of CalPERS dies, the estate contacts CalPERS to claim any death or survivor benefit. What is payable depends on the member's retirement option and the beneficiary designation on file rather than on a will.
Beneficiary designations at CalPERS can be managed online and by mail. Trust funding is also available, allowing families to name a trust as a death-benefit beneficiary where the plan permits it.
There are two sides to estate planning at CalPERS: setting things up while you're alive, and the process survivors follow after a death.
Beneficiaries and trust funding
How to manage beneficiaries online, fund a trust by mail, and review 14 account types at CalPERS.
Preparing your estate →Death claim process
Report the death to CalPERS's Survivor Benefits at 1-888-225-7377. The page lists the steps and the documents to send.
When someone dies →Because CalPERS serves a limited number of states, procedures for trust funding and beneficiary changes may differ depending on your location. Verify availability before starting.
Sources
Data sourced from CalPERS primary sources (19 pages reviewed). How we research.
CalPERS customer support
CalPERS Customer Contact Center
Phone
International calls
Secondary fax / international fax
Fax
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your CalPERS accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
Forms for Planning Your Estate
Free forms for planning your estate: a will, living trust, pour-over will, both powers of attorney, living will, and TOD deed.
Last Will and Testament
Name your heirs, guardians, and final wishes. Free for every state.
Transfer on Death Deed
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate. Available in 34 states and the District of Columbia.
Vehicle Transfer on Death
Name a beneficiary to inherit your vehicle at death without probate. Available in 26 states and the District of Columbia.
Tools for Planning Your Estate
Free tools for planning your estate: what a will or trust costs, whether you need a trust or TOD deed, and how documents are signed.
How Do I Sign Estate Documents?
Find witness, notary, and remote signing requirements for all 50 states.
Will My Estate Documents Transfer?
Check if estate planning documents signed in one state are valid in another.
Trust or Will: Which Costs Less?
Compare the cost of probate vs a trust for your state and estate value.
How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?
Compare revocable living trust costs across providers including online services and attorneys.
How Much Does a Will Cost?
Compare will costs across providers plus probate costs your heirs will pay.
How Does SimplyTrust Compare to LegalZoom, Trust & Will, and Other Services?
Compare what it costs to make a trust official across SimplyTrust, LegalZoom, Trust & Will, Rocket Lawyer, and Quicken WillMaker.
