California Code, Education Code - EDC § 24612

(a) If any person entitled to a benefit from the plan under this part is a minor who has no guardian of his or her estate, the benefit, not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000), may be paid to the person entitled to the custody of the minor to hold for the minor, upon the written statement, duly acknowledged and verified, of the person that the total estate of the minor does not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) in value.

(b) The payment shall constitute full discharge of any and all liabilities of the board, system, and plan.

(c) The person shall account to the minor for the money when the minor reaches the age of majority.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a natural parent or an adoptive parent having custody of the minor shall not be required to establish a guardianship for the purpose of collecting a survivor benefit, family benefit, or death benefit under this part.