Benefits Checklist in the Event of Death - CalPERS Retirement Benefits
There are specific steps required to request death benefits from CalPERS upon the passing of a California State employee:
Step 1: Notify CalPERS of the death by either telephone or mail. You may also contact the deceased employee's personnel office for assistance.
CalPERS telephone number:
1-888 CalPERS (or 1-888-225-7377)
TTY: (916) 795-3240
Fax: (916) 795-3933
CalPERS address:
CalPERS Benefit Services Division
Survivor & Death Benefits
P.O. Box 1652
Sacramento, CA 95812-1652
If it's more convenient, you can visit the CalPERS Regional Office nearest you. In some cases, the deceased employee's personnel office may report the death. CalPERS will need the following information. Please be prepared to provide it over the telephone or to include it in your letter:
- Name and Social Security number of the deceased.
- Date of death.
- Name, address, and telephone number of surviving spouse, registered domestic partner, closest next of kin, or the person designated to settle the estate.
- Name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the notice of death.
Step 2: Request For Information
Once CalPERS has been notified of a death, you will receive the Death Benefit Application booklet that has all the information, instructions, and forms you'll need to apply for any benefits due to you. This booklet can only be obtained upon reporting a death to CalPERS. It cannot be ordered online. Review the materials carefully. It will guide you on which forms you need to complete and the documentation you will need to provide.
If needed, CalPERS staff can also assist you in this process by calling 1-888-CalPERS (or 1-888-225-7377).
The following documentation may be required before payment can be made:
- Copy of the death certificate.
- Completed claim form.
- Marriage certificate.
- Domestic partnership registration certificate.
- Birth certificate of a survivor, if entitled to a monthly allowance.
- If children are to be paid, a copy of their birth certificates.
- Proof that the member is no longer married or in a domestic partnership, i.e., dissolution of marriage document or termination of domestic partnership.
- If the estate is to be paid, Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary for the probated estate.
- If the trust is to be paid, a certificate of trust form is required.
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