California § 23851 - A death payment of not less than twenty thousand dollars (
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 23851 — A death payment of not less than twenty thousand dollars (, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23851. A death payment of not less than twenty thousand dollars (
(a) A death payment of not less than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) shall be paid to the beneficiary, as designated pursuant to Section 23300, upon receipt of proof of death of a member, who had one or more years of credited service, including service deemed to the member under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 22851, at least one of which had been earned subsequent to the most recent refund of accumulated retirement contributions, if the member died during any one of the following periods: (1) While in employment for which creditable compensation is paid. (2) Within four months after termination of creditable service or termination of employment, whichever occurs first. (3) Within 12 months of the last day for which creditable compensation was paid, if the member was on an approved leave of absence without creditable compensation for reasons other than disability. (4) While on a leave of absence to perform qualified military service, if the death occurred on or after January 1, 2007. (b) A death payment pursuant to this section shall not be payable for the death of a member that occurs within one year commencing with the effective date of termination of the service retirement allowance pursuant to Section 24208 or during the six calendar months commencing with the effective date of termination of the disability retirement allowance pursuant to Section 24117. (c) The board may adjust the death payment amount following each actuarial valuation based on changes in the All Urban California Consumer Price Index and adopt as a plan amendment with respect to the Defined Benefit Program any adjusted amount. (d) A designated beneficiary may waive the right to the death payment in accordance with the requirements established by the system. The waiver shall be submitted on a properly executed form prescribed by the system. The filing of a waiver by a beneficiary constitutes a complete and immediate discharge of all obligations of the board, the system, or the plan to or on behalf of the beneficiary.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 23851
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 23851 cover?
Section 23851 ("A death payment of not less than twenty thousand dollars (") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 23851?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 23851" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 23851 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.