What to do when a CalSTRS account holder dies
Report the death to CalSTRS at 1-800-228-5453
What happens to CalSTRS pension benefits after the account holder dies depends on how each account was titled. Beneficiary-designated and trust-owned accounts transfer directly. Accounts in the deceased's name alone go through the estate, and the executor or administrator works with CalSTRS (1-916-414-1099) to claim the funds.
The claim process begins with a phone call to 1-916-414-1099. Have the account holder's full name, account numbers, and the death certificate available when making initial contact.
Death claim process
Follow these steps to file a death claim with CalSTRS:
Filing a claim
- Online: submit the Notification of Death.
- Phone: 800-228-5453 or 916-414-1099, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
- Give the deceased person's full name, Social Security number or CalSTRS Client ID, date of birth and date of death.
- Give your own full name, your relationship to the deceased, mailing address, primary phone number and email address.
- If you are not the primary contact for the deceased, complete the alternate contact section of the Notification of Death.
Required Documents
- Copy of the death certificate, when reporting the deathRequired. CalSTRS says additional information or documentation may be requested.
- Copy of the certified death certificate, to process an application for benefitsThe Member Handbook says CalSTRS "must receive a copy of the certified death certificate" to process an application for benefits.
- Marriage certificate or declaration of domestic partnershipPayment may be delayed if it is missing or not received in a timely manner.
- Recipient Designation form with the names and addresses of the recipientsPayment may be delayed if it is missing or not received in a timely manner.
- Award letters from other public systems, for a Coverage A survivor benefitCalSTRS reduces the Coverage A survivor benefit by benefits payable by other public systems, such as workers' compensation and Social Security, and adjusts payments from the award letters.
Forms CalSTRS issues2
- Notification of Death
Completed by the person reporting the death. Completed online.1
- Application for survivor benefits
Completed by the benefit recipient. Sent by the institution on request.2
What happens to each kind of account1
- Pension
With no surviving spouse or partner, eligible dependent children or dependent parents, remaining Defined Benefit and Defined Benefit Supplement contributions and interest go to the one-time death benefit recipient, or to the estate if none was named.2
After a retired member who elected the Member-Only Benefit dies, the one-time death benefit recipient receives the benefit accrued but unpaid in the month of death, plus remaining contributions and interest less benefit payments already made.3
After retirement, depending on the Defined Benefit Supplement annuity option, the DBS balance may go to the option beneficiary or to the recipients named on the Recipient Designation form.3
If a member dies while performing military service, survivor and death benefits are paid as if the member had continued accruing CalSTRS service credit.4
What CalSTRS's agreement and guidance say5
- How proceeds are paid
The type of survivor benefit depends on whether the member was active or retired, whether an option beneficiary was chosen, the amount of service credit and whether the member had Coverage A or Coverage B.5
With less than one year of service credit, Coverage A refunds Defined Benefit contributions and interest to the one-time death benefit recipient; Coverage B refunds them to the surviving spouse, or to the recipient if there is no surviving spouse.6
A one-time death benefit split among several recipients is divided equally unless other percentages were specified. If no recipient was named, CalSTRS pays the estate.3
- Holds and legal process
If CalSTRS cannot locate a designated recipient, it does not distribute the benefit until that recipient is located and confirmed.7
- Deposits after the death
Payments issued after the death are due back to CalSTRS. If they are not returned, they are deducted from benefits paid to the beneficiaries.2
- What it says about taxes
CalSTRS says all survivor benefits are considered taxable income.8
- Dormant and unclaimed accounts
CalSTRS's unclaimed property includes survivor benefit payments and uncashed checks; its page links a search for property in a family member's name.9
Not in CalSTRS's published guidance1
- Which court appointment document it accepts
Sources9
- 1.Notification of Death FAQ
- 2.Reporting a death
- 3.Coverage A or B—When you die after retirement
- 4.Survivor benefits
- 5.Survivor benefits: What you need to know
- 6.Member Handbook: Your guide to CalSTRS benefits, January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027
- 7.Recipient Designation - One-Time Death Benefit/Cash Balance Lump-Sum Payment (MS0002), REV 05/26
- 8.Survivor Benefits: Remember your loved ones, COM 1651 (REV 12/25)
- 9.Unclaimed property
CalSTRS generally pays survivor benefits to beneficiaries or the estate within 120 days of receiving all necessary information.
CalSTRS can be reached by phone at 1-800-228-5453 and fax at 1-916-414-5783 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from CalSTRS primary sources (24 pages reviewed). How we research.
CalSTRS death claims support
Phone
Toll-free
General Contact Center fax
Fax
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your CalSTRS accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Forms for Settling an Estate
Free forms for settling an estate: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Digital Assets Recovery Letter
Prepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.
Petition for Probate and Letters
Open probate and ask the court to appoint you and issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Notice to Creditors
Notify estate creditors and start the claim period — the published notice plus mailed copies for known creditors.
Renunciation of Executor
Decline an appointment as executor named in a will — the writing filed with the court before anyone is appointed.
Affidavit of Heirship
Prepare the sworn statement of a deceased person's family history and heirs for recording in the county land records, with your state's recording instructions.
Small Estate Affidavit
Collect a small estate's property without probate — the sworn affidavit presented to banks and other holders, with a presentation letter for each.
Tools for Settling an Estate
Free tools for settling an estate: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need and see ordering info for your state.
Do I Need Probate?
Find out if an estate needs probate or qualifies for simplified procedures.
Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Find out which tax returns need to be filed after someone dies and whether tax clearance is required.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Personalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away.
What Do I Do When Someone Dies?
A step-by-step checklist for the days, weeks, and months after a death, with state rules noted where they apply.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax, and inheritance tax for an estate.
