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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 5Pt. 3Ch. 14Art. 1§ 21509 Retirement Benefit Distribution Rules

§ 21509 Retirement Benefit Distribution Rules

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 21509 Retirement Benefit Distribution Rules

Key Takeaways

  • •If someone dies before getting their retirement money, the rules in Part 5 of the Probate Code decide who gets that money.
  • •This includes money saved up for retirement but not yet paid out, and any contributions the person made.
  • •The retirement plan is treated like an insurance policy from after 1984 when figuring out who gets the money.

Example

A person retires but dies before receiving their first retirement check.

The rules in Part 5 of the Probate Code will decide who gets the money that was saved up for retirement. It’s like the retirement plan is an insurance policy, so the same rules apply.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 21509 Retirement Benefit Distribution Rules

The provisions of Part 5 (commencing with Section 220) of Division 2 of the Probate Code, when applicable, govern the distribution of money payable under this system, including but not limited to retirement allowance accrued but not received prior to death and refund of member contributions. In applying Part 5 (commencing with Section 220) of Division 2 of the Probate Code with respect to benefits payable to a beneficiary, membership in this system shall be considered as having the same status as an insurance policy issued after December 31, 1984. (Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 379, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1996.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

Part 5Division 2 of the Probate Coderetirement allowancemember contributionsinsurance policy

Related Statutes

  • § 21492 Beneficiary Designation Revocation
  • § 21499.1 Post-Death Overpayment Recovery
  • § 21490 Beneficiary Designation Rules
  • § 21491 Survivor Beneficiary Designation Rules
  • § 21493 Survivor Payment Order

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 21509.
View Official Source