Reporting the Death of a Member or Benefit Recipient

CalSTRS should be notified as soon as possible of the death of:

• A member
• An option beneficiary
• Any payee receiving CalSTRS benefits

CalSTRS will need the following information:

• Deceased person’s name and Social Security number or CalSTRS Client Identification Number
• Date of death
• Individual's status immediately preceding death:
• Retired
• Disabled
• A member in active teaching status
• Option beneficiary recipient
• Name, address and telephone number of contact person

Survivor Benefit Application Processing

A caseworker will contact the recipient to complete the application for survivor benefits by written correspondence. The contact information of the caseworker will also be provided.

A copy of the death certificate must be sent to CalSTRS. Additional information or documentation may be requested.

CalSTRS payments issued to the deceased after the date of death must be returned to CalSTRS or may be deducted from subsequent benefits paid.

Payment of Benefits

CalSTRS generally pays survivor benefits to recipients within 45 days of the receipt of the last required document.

Payment may be delayed if documentation, such as the following, is missing or not received in a timely manner:

• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Declaration of domestic partnership
• Recipient Designation form with addresses of the recipient or recipients