California Code, Education Code - EDC § 24805

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, whenever any member of the district retirement system dies while in active membership status, including those on a deferred membership status, or within four months after the termination of the member's employment in a status requisite for membership in the retirement system, benefits payable at death, unless a claim by someone other than the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries is filed with the retirement system during the period provided in this section, shall be paid to the beneficiary or beneficiaries designated by him on a form provided by the retirement system and on file in the office of the retirement system prior to the death of the member.

(b) Payment to a beneficiary or beneficiaries designated in the form on file in the retirement system at the date of death by a warrant drawn prior to any claim under a will or under community property rights, shall constitute full discharge of any and all liability of the district retirement board and retirement system by reason of the member's death. The retirement system shall provide a 30-day claim period subsequent to notification of death before drawing a warrant in favor of the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries.