Employee contributions, employer contributions, investment earnings, and any other amounts provided under this part shall be deposited into the Teachers’ Retirement Fund. Disbursement of money from the fund shall be made upon claims made pursuant to Section 26209 and duly audited in the manner prescribed for the disbursement of other public funds. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, the Teachers’ Retirement Fund is continuously appropriated for the payment of benefits and investment transactions pursuant to this part. Disbursements may be made to return funds deposited in the fund in error.