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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 4Pt. 3Ch. 5Art. 6§ 32361 Pension Survivor Benefit Options

§ 32361 Pension Survivor Benefit Options

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

§ 32361 Pension Survivor Benefit Options

Key Takeaways

  • •You can choose to get a smaller pension every month so that your spouse or chosen person keeps getting money after you die.
  • •There are two choices: your spouse gets the same smaller amount you got, or they get half of it.
  • •You have to pick this before you get your first pension check.

Example

John is about to start getting his pension. He wants to make sure his wife, Jane, gets money after he dies.

John can choose to get a little less money each month. If he picks Option 1, Jane will get the same amount after John dies. If he picks Option 2, Jane will get half of what John was getting.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 32361 Pension Survivor Benefit Options

At any time before the first payment of any pension is made, a member or beneficiary may elect to receive the actuarial equivalent at that time of his pension in a lesser pension payable throughout his life and that of his widow, widower or beneficiary, if she or he survives him, in accordance with one of the following options: Option 1: Upon his death, such lesser pension shall be continued throughout the life of and paid to his widow, widower or beneficiary. Option 2: Upon his death, one-half of such lesser pension shall be continued throughout the life of and paid to his widow, widower or beneficiary. (Amended by Stats. 1949, Ch. 1367.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

spousesurvivorpensiondeathaccordance

Related Statutes

  • § 32062 Pension Survivor Benefit Options
  • § 75006 Retired Judge Unpaid Benefits
  • § 13955 Victim Compensation Eligibility
  • § 32354 Disability Retirement Pension Limits
  • § 32356 Disability Retirement Pension Rates

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 32361.
View Official Source