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CalPERS Survivor Benefits

Four options. One decision you can't reverse.

At retirement, every CalPERS member chooses one of four payment options: Unmodified, 100% Survivor, 75% Survivor, or 50% Survivor. The choice is irrevocable once benefits begin. The unmodified option pays the highest monthly check but ends at your death — your beneficiary gets nothing continuing. The survivor options pay less monthly but guarantee continued payments to your beneficiary after your death.

The actuarial reductions on this page are CalPERS' published averages; your actual reduction depends on the age difference between you and your beneficiary at retirement. The age-difference factor matters because the actuary is pricing the expected number of years CalPERS will pay benefits to your survivor after you're gone.

Compare All Four Survivor Options

At a starting monthly benefit of $4,000 (unmodified), here is the monthly check, annual income, and 20-year lifetime gap for each survivor option. Actual CalPERS reductions depend on member and beneficiary ages at retirement.

Unmodified

$4,000

monthly

Annual
$48,000
Reduction
—
20-yr gap
—

Highest monthly benefit. Pension ends at member's death; no continuing benefit to beneficiary.

100% Survivor

$3,510

monthly

Annual
$42,120
Reduction
-12.25%
20-yr gap
-$117,600

Beneficiary receives 100% of member's monthly benefit for life after member's death.

75% Survivor

$3,610

monthly

Annual
$43,320
Reduction
-9.75%
20-yr gap
-$93,600

Beneficiary receives 75% of member's monthly benefit for life after member's death.

50% Survivor

$3,740

monthly

Annual
$44,880
Reduction
-6.50%
20-yr gap
-$62,400

Beneficiary receives 50% of member's monthly benefit for life after member's death.

Reductions shown are CalPERS' published actuarial averages and are approximate previews. Actual reductions vary with member and beneficiary ages and are calculated by CalPERS at the time of retirement. The Unmodified (no survivor benefit)option pays the highest monthly benefit but ends at the member's death.

How to Think About This

If your beneficiary has independent income and savings,the Unmodified option may be appropriate — your beneficiary doesn't need your pension to continue. The higher monthly check during your retirement is the pure benefit.

If your beneficiary depends on your pension for living expenses, the 100% survivor option locks in their financial security at the cost of roughly 12.25% of your monthly check. The 75% and 50% options split the difference at proportionally smaller reductions.

If you and your beneficiary are similar in age and health, the actuarial pricing is roughly fair regardless of which option you choose. The decision becomes about your beneficiary's expected income without your pension and how much risk you're willing to bear that you die first.

If your beneficiary is significantly younger, the actuarial reductions are larger because CalPERS expects to make payments for a longer survivor period. Run the actual numbers with CalPERS before committing.

Run All Four Options in the Calculator

Toggle the survivor option in the calculator below to see your specific numbers. The calculator uses CalPERS' published average reductions for quick comparison.

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Survivor Benefits — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Classic and PEPRA?▾
Classic members were hired before January 1, 2013, or had existing CalPERS membership. PEPRA (Public Employees' Pension Reform Act) members were hired on or after January 1, 2013, with no prior CalPERS membership. PEPRA formulas generally have lower benefit factors at younger ages but the same or similar factors at older retirement ages.
How do I find out which CalPERS formula I have?▾
Your formula is determined by your employer, your job classification (miscellaneous, safety, etc.), and your hire date. Check your myCalPERS account, your most recent annual statement, your employer's retirement contract with CalPERS, or contact your HR/benefits office. The formula name will look like '2% at 55' or '2.7% at 57' followed by a category like State Miscellaneous or Local Safety.
Does the PEPRA salary cap affect my pension?▾
Yes, if your final compensation exceeds the cap. PEPRA limits the compensation used in the pension formula to a published annual cap that is adjusted yearly. Compensation above the cap does not increase your pension benefit, regardless of years of service. Classic formulas do not have this cap, though their compensation is subject to IRS Section 401(a)(17) limits.
When can I retire from CalPERS?▾
You can retire when you reach the minimum retirement age for your formula and have at least 5 years of service credit. However, retiring at the minimum age typically gives you a much lower benefit factor. The benefit factor increases as you approach and reach your formula's reference age.
What is service credit?▾
Service credit is the years (and partial years) you have worked under a CalPERS or CalSTRS covered position. One year of full-time employment equals one year of service credit. Part-time employees earn proportional service credit.
What is a replacement rate?▾
The replacement rate is the percentage of your final compensation that your pension replaces. For example, a 2% benefit factor with 30 years of service gives you a 60% replacement rate, meaning your pension would be 60% of your final compensation.

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Disclaimer:Survivor reductions shown are CalPERS' published actuarial averages and are approximate previews. Your actual reduction is calculated by CalPERS at retirement based on member and beneficiary ages. The choice is generally irrevocable once benefits begin.