FAQs

How do I change my address with CSR?
Contact CSR headquarters at 1-888-808-7197 or (916) 326-4292. You can also complete this online form.

When do I get paid by CalPERS? 
Benefits are paid at the beginning of the month for the previous month's benefits. For tax reasons, your December retirement check is always dated the first day of the new year. The State Controller's Office issues checks and determines mailing dates.

If you have direct deposit, contact your financial institution to see when funds appear in your account. You can also visit CalPERS to get the exact dates as well as other important documents.

Frequently requested services and phone numbers
For questions about your CalPERS health plans, dental plans, long term care insurance, or any direct deposit or retiree pay warrant questions, please call CalPERS at (888) 225-7377. 

To reach CSEA regarding your insurance coverage, please call (800) 952-5283 or (916) 326-4283.

How do I report the death of a member?
A spouse or family member can take several important steps to help assure prompt payment of any CalPERS benefits.

1. Notify CalPERS by any method below:
   • Phone: (888) 225-7377, TTY (916) 795-3240
   • Fax: (916) 795-3933
   • Mail: CalPERS Disability & Survivor Benefits Division
     P.O. Box 1652
     Sacramento, CA 95812-1652
   • Online
   • NOTE: You can also report the death in-person at CalPERS headquarters or a regional office near you
2. Provide the following information:
   • 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
3. Set aside following required documents, to provide CalPERS (copies of official documents are acceptable): 
   • Death certificate (cause of death included)
   • Letters of administration from the executor of the estate (if the member's estate is to be paid any death benefits)
   • Marriage certificate  (or proof that a marriage ended in divorce or death)
   • Domestic partnership registration certificate (or proof that the registered domestic partnership ended in termination or death) 
   • Children's birth certificates (if children are to be paid)
   • Birth certificate of survivor (if entitled to a monthly allowance)
   • Letters of administration or letters testamentary for the probated estate (if the estate is to be paid)
   • Certification of trust form (if the trust is to be paid)
4. Complete the Application: Once notified of the death, CalPERS will mail you a death benefit application package, which will include forms to complete and list of required documents. 
5. Return information to CalPERS at the address below: 

   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. If additional information is needed, CalPERS will contact you.