Estate planning and settlement at CalSTRS
Name beneficiaries online and report a death at 1-800-228-5453
When a member of CalSTRS dies, the estate contacts CalSTRS 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.
CalSTRS handles beneficiary designations online, in branch, and by mail.
CalSTRS provides specific procedures for both proactive estate planning and filing claims after a death.
Beneficiaries and trust funding
How to manage beneficiaries online, and review 7 account types at CalSTRS.
Preparing your estate →Death claim process
Report the death to CalSTRS at 1-800-228-5453. The page lists the steps and the documents to send.
When someone dies →CalSTRS is not available nationwide. Estate planning procedures may vary by state, so confirm that your location is served before making account changes.
Sources
Data sourced from CalSTRS primary sources (24 pages reviewed). How we research.
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Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your CalSTRS 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.
