Death Benefits

Application Process

We're here to assist you through the death benefit application process. You can notify us by phone, mail, or by visiting one of our Regional Offices.

Beneficiary Designation

Death benefits are paid to the beneficiary on file. Benefits may be paid per statutory beneficiary order if there is no one on file or the designation was revoked. CalPERS will determine who death benefits are payable to after we receive and review all the required documents.

Benefits Payable

CalPERS members are eligible for various death benefits. Death benefits range from a simple return of contributions (plus interest) to a monthly allowance. It's not possible to know exactly what’s payable until we receive and review all of the required documents after you notify us of a death.