Government Code section 22970.85
(a)
In the case of a lump sum distribution to the participant, the lump sum payment shall be made not later than April 1 of the calendar year following the later of the calendar year in which the participant attains the age prescribed by Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code or the calendar year in which the participant terminates employment.(b)
In the case of a distribution to the participant in the form of periodic payments, payment shall begin not later than April 1 of the calendar year following the later of the calendar year in which the participant attains the age prescribed by Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code or the calendar year in which the participant terminates employment.(c)
In the case of a benefit payable on account of the participant’s death after distributions to the participant have commenced in the form of periodic payments, the remainder of the participant’s account shall be distributed at least as rapidly as if the participant had not died.(d)
In the case of a benefit payable on account of the participant’s death before distributions to the participant have commenced, distributions shall be paid no later than December 31 of the calendar year in which the fifth anniversary of the participant’s date of death occurs unless the benefit is paid over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the beneficiary and distributions commence not later than December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the participant died, or in the event that the beneficiary is the participant’s spouse, distributions must commence on or before the later of either:(1)
December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the participant dies.(2)
December 31 of the calendar year in which the participant would have attained the age prescribed by Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Source:
Section 22970.85, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=22970.85. (updated Jan. 1, 2024; accessed Jun. 30, 2025).
