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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 5Pt. 3Ch. 14Art. 1§ 21497 Benefit Payment Priority Rules

§ 21497 Benefit Payment Priority Rules

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

§ 21497 Benefit Payment Priority Rules

Key Takeaways

  • •If the total benefit money is small, the first person to ask for it gets it all.
  • •If there’s more money but too many people want it, the board will pick fewer people so each gets a fair amount.
  • •The board picks who gets the money based on who asks first.

Example

A small amount of money is left for a family after someone passes away.

If the money is less than what the board says is the minimum, the first family member to ask for it gets all of it. If there’s more money but too many family members want it, the board will only give it to a few so each gets enough.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 21497 Benefit Payment Priority Rules

If the total value of the benefit to be paid pursuant to Section 21493, 21494, or 21506 is less than an amount determined by the board, the benefit may be paid to the first member of the entitled class of beneficiaries who files a claim. If the total value of the benefit pursuant to any of these sections exceeds the amount established by the board but the number of qualifying beneficiaries under these sections is such that any individual benefit will be less than the amount established by the board, the board shall limit the number of beneficiaries so that no individual’s benefit will be less than the amount established by the board. The board shall determine the recipients on the basis of the order in which claims are made. (Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 785, Sec. 13. Effective January 1, 2000.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

benefitboardentitled class of beneficiariesclaims

Related Statutes

  • § 21495 Beneficiary Payment Priority Rules
  • § 21508 Body Disposition Expense Payment
  • § 21490 Beneficiary Designation Rules
  • § 21491 Survivor Beneficiary Designation Rules
  • § 21492 Beneficiary Designation Revocation

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 21497.
View Official Source