Gov. Code, § 21530

(a) This system is liable for either the basic or special death benefit upon the death of a member in any of the following circumstances:

(1) Before the effective date of retirement, and (A) while in state service, or (B) while absent on military service, provided the member has made contributions during the absence under Section 20991 or has had contributions made on his or her behalf under Section 20997, or (C) within four months after discontinuance of state service, or (D) while on an approved leave of absence, or (E) while physically or mentally incapacitated for the performance of duty, if the incapacity has been continuous from discontinuance of state service, or (F) while employed as a member of a county retirement system; provided, the employment resulting in membership was begun on or after October 1, 1957, and within 90 days after discontinuance of state service.

(2) While in state service in partial service retirement pursuant to Article 1.7 (commencing with Section 19996.30) of Chapter 7 of Part 2.6 or Sections 21110 through 21115.

(3) On or after the effective date of retirement and before the mailing of a retirement allowance warrant and either within four months of discontinuance of state service or while physically or mentally incapacitated for the performance of duty if the incapacity has been continuous from discontinuance of state service, and providing all of the following conditions exist:

(A) The retirement of the member was not compulsory under Article 5 (commencing with Section 21130) of Chapter 12.

(B) The member has not elected the optional settlement in Section 21456, 21457, 21459, 21475, 21475.5, 21476, 21476.5, or 21477, or an optional settlement in Section 21458, involving payment of an allowance throughout the life of a beneficiary.

(C) A partially continued allowance under Sections 21624 through 21631, is not payable.

(b) This system is liable for a limited death benefit, which consists only of the accumulated contributions of the member payable to his or her beneficiary or estate, under the following circumstances:

(1) Upon the death of a member before the effective date of his or her retirement or, with respect to (A) any member whose retirement was not compulsory under Article 5 (commencing with Section 21130) of Chapter 12, and (B) any member who has not elected the optional settlement in Section 21456, 21457, 21459, 21475, 21475.5, 21476, 21476.5, or 21477, or an optional settlement in Section 21458 involving payment of an allowance throughout the life of a beneficiary, on or after that effective date and before the mailing of the first retirement allowance warrant.

(2) Under those circumstances in which this system is not liable for either the basic or special death benefit provided in subdivision (a) of this section, and a partially continued allowance under Sections 21624 through 21631, is not payable.