Labor Code section 4703

Subject to the provisions of Section 4704, this section shall determine the right to a death benefit.
If there is any person wholly dependent for support upon a deceased employee, that person shall receive a full death benefit as set forth in Section 4702 for one total dependent, and any additional partial dependents shall receive a death benefit as set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 4702 to a maximum aggregate amount of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).
If there are two or more persons wholly dependent for support upon a deceased employee, those persons shall receive the death benefit set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 4702, and any person partially dependent shall receive no part thereof.
If there is more than one person wholly dependent for support upon a deceased employee, the death benefit shall be divided equally among them.
If there is more than one person partially dependent for support upon a deceased employee, and no person wholly dependent for support, the amount allowed as a death benefit shall be divided among the persons so partially dependent in proportion to the relative extent of their dependency.

Source: Section 4703, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=LAB§ionNum=4703.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1981; accessed Jun. 23, 2025).

Green check means up to date. Up to date

Verified:
Jun. 23, 2025

§ 4703's source at ca​.gov