California Code, Education Code - EDC § 23853

Notwithstanding Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 13100) of Part 1 of Division 8 of the Probate Code or any other provision of law to the contrary, death payments and return of contributions pursuant to Sections 23851 and 23852, if any, may be requested by the surviving spouse or beneficiary and paid by the system as soon as practicable after receipt of proof of death.