Section 23852 Of Chapter 23. Active Death Benefits: Survivor Benefits From California Education Code >> Division 1. >> Title 1. >> Part 13. >> Chapter 23.

. Upon receipt of proof of death of a member who has no preretirement option in effect:
  (a) The surviving spouse may elect to receive either of the following:
  (1) The member's accumulated retirement contributions in a lump sum.
  (2) If the member meets the provisions set forth in Section 23854, the survivor benefit allowance pursuant to Sections 23854 and 23855.
  (b) If there is no surviving spouse, and the member meets the provisions set forth in Section 23854, then each dependent child shall receive the child's portion of the survivor benefit allowance pursuant to Sections 23854, 23855, and 23856. The child's portion of the survivor benefit allowance shall be paid in lieu of the return of the member's accumulated retirement contributions.
  (c) If there is no surviving spouse or dependent child to receive a benefit under subdivision (a) or (b), the member's accumulated retirement contributions shall be paid to the member's beneficiary in a lump sum.
  (d) The member's accumulated annuity deposit contributions shall be paid to the member's beneficiary in a lump sum.
  (e) The payment of accumulated contributions in a lump sum shall include credited interest through the date of payment.