Application Process

We're here to assist you through the death benefit application process. Follow the steps below to report the death of a CalPERS member, retiree, survivor, or anyone receiving a CalPERS benefit.

 

Step 1: Notify CalPERS of the Death

You can notify CalPERS of the death online, by telephone, or mail.

Online:

Submit a Death Notification

Telephone Number:

888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377)
TTY: (916) 795-3240
Fax: (916) 795-3933

Mailing Address:

CalPERS Disability & Survivor Benefits Division
Survivor & Death Benefits
P.O. Box 1652
Sacramento, CA 95812-1652

You can also visit the Headquarters & Regional Offices near you to report the death in person. In some cases, the member's employer may report the death directly to us.

Have the following information ready when you contact CalPERS:

  • Date of death
  • Name and Social Security number or CalPERS ID of the deceased
  • Name, address, telephone number, date of birth, date of marriage, and Social Security number of surviving spouse or registered domestic partner
  • Name, address, and telephone number of closest next of kin or the person designated to settle the estate, if there is no spouse
  • Name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the notice of death

Step 2: Complete the Application

Once CalPERS is notified of the death, we'll mail you a death benefit application package. The application includes forms to complete and a list of documents you need to send us. The application package is only mailed after a death is reported to us.

Copies of official documents are acceptable; you do not need to mail the original. The death certificate must list the cause of death.

Note: Any warrant issued to a retiree or survivor after their death must be returned to CalPERS1.

DocumentActiveInactiveRetired
Copy of death certificateRequiredRequiredRequired
Completed applicationRequiredRequiredRequired
Marriage certificate (or proof that a marriage ended in divorce or death)RequiredRequiredSee Footnote
Domestic partnership registration certificate (or proof that the registered domestic partnership ended in termination or death)RequiredRequiredSee Footnote
Birth certificate of survivor (if entitled to a monthly allowance)RequiredRequiredSee Footnote
Copy of children's birth certificates (if children are to be paid)RequiredRequiredNot Required
Letters of administration or letters testamentary for the probated estate (if the estate is to be paid)RequiredRequiredRequired
Certification of trust form (if the trust is to be paid)RequiredRequiredRequired

Endnotes

  1. We'll request reimbursement from the financial institution if the payment was electronically transferred into the deceased's account unless we inform the spouse to keep the warrant. (1)
  2. These documents may not be required; check with CalPERS prior to submitting. (2a, 2b, 2c)

Step 3: Return Information to CalPERS

Return the completed forms and required documents to CalPERS.

CalPERS Disability & Survivor Benefits Division
Survivor & Death Benefits
P.O. Box 1652
Sacramento, CA 95812-1652

The information on the completed forms serves as the formal application to identify beneficiaries who may be legally entitled to receive benefits. We'll contact you if additional information is needed.

Death Benefits

Resources

Forms & Publications