You may know CalPERS death benefits are paid according to your valid beneficiary designation on file. But did you know death benefits may be paid according to statutory beneficiary order if you don’t have a designation on file or your designation was revoked?
What Happens if I Don’t Have a Current Beneficiary Designation?
We’ll determine who the death benefits are payable to after we receive and review all the required documents. However, unless you have a valid beneficiary designation in effect at the time of death, benefits are paid to the closest surviving family members in this order of 11 recipients — whether this order reflects your actual wishes or not:
- Spouse or registered domestic partner
- Children (natural or adopted)
- Parents
- Brothers and sisters
- Probated estate
- Trust, if one exists
- Stepchildren
- Grandchildren (including step-grandchildren)
- Nieces and nephews
- Great-grandchildren
- Cousins
Life Events Affect Beneficiary Designations
In addition, the beneficiary designation on file with CalPERS becomes invalid or revoked when any of these life events occur:
- Annulment
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Dissolution
- Marriage or registration of domestic partnership
- Member received a refund of contributions
- Termination of a registered domestic partnership
A beneficiary designation filed after the initiation of a dissolution of marriage, an annulment, or termination of a registered domestic partnership is not revoked when the dissolution, annulment, or termination is finalized.
Take Action Today
Don’t take chances — take time today to make sure you have your current and correct beneficiary on file:
- Online — Log in to myCalPERS, then choose Retirement and Beneficiaries. Beneficiary designations made after August 5, 2013, are available in myCalPERS. If you submitted a previous beneficiary designation, it may still be valid, but not viewable online, so contact CalPERS to double-check.
- By mail — Active members who want their death benefits paid to a designated beneficiary must complete a Pre-Retirement Lump Sum Beneficiary Designation (PDF) and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Retired members designate beneficiaries for their death benefits when they retire. There are limited situations after retirement when you can choose a new beneficiary. To learn more, review Changing Your Beneficiary or Monthly Benefit After Retirement (PUB 98)(PDF).
You’ll need information about your chosen beneficiary to complete the designation process, including their Social Security number, birthday, and address.
For questions and assistance on beneficiaries and much more, call us at 888 CalPERS (or 888-225-7377).