Government Code section 21532

The basic death benefit is payable in all cases where the retirement system is liable under Section 21530 for either the basic or a special death benefit and the special death benefit is not payable.
The basic death benefit shall consist of:

(a)

The accumulated contributions of the member.

(b)

If the member is not an insured member, or is an insured member eligible for service retirement or the member is subject to benefits pursuant to Section 21547, an amount, provided from contributions by the state, or a contracting agency, equal to one-twelfth of the annual compensation earnable by the deceased during the 12 months immediately preceding his or her death, or the compensation earnable by the member at the time of becoming eligible for benefits pursuant to Section 21160 if higher, multiplied by the number of completed years of current service credited to the member, but not to exceed one-half of the annual compensation. If the member is an insured member who is ineligible for service retirement and is also credited with service as a local member only that service shall be used in computing the amount under this subdivision and that amount shall not be a part of the basic death benefit payable with respect to the insured member.

(c)

If the member is a state member, other than a school member, who dies after becoming eligible for retirement with more than five but less than six years credited service, an amount equal to 50 percent of the annual compensation earnable by the deceased member during the 12 months immediately preceding his or her death.
The basic death benefit for a member who dies under the circumstances described in subparagraph (F) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 21530 shall not exceed an amount that, when added to the death benefit paid for the member under the other system, equals the maximum death benefit payable under that system, if the death is not the result of injury or disease arising out of and in the course of his or her employment under that system. However, the benefit shall be at least equal to his or her accumulated contributions. The basic death benefit for the member shall be the amount of his or her accumulated contributions if death is the result of disease or injury arising out of and in the course of employment under the other system.

Source: Section 21532, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=21532.­ (accessed May 12, 2025).

Last Updated

May 12, 2025

§ 21532’s source at ca​.gov