California Code, Education Code - EDC § 27007

(a) If the participant died while receiving an annuity under this part, the death benefit shall be payable in accordance with the terms of the annuity elected by the participant.

(b) Upon the death of a participant who elected a single life annuity with a cash refund feature under this part, any balance remaining in the participant's employee account and employer account shall be payable in a lump sum to the beneficiary.

(c) Upon the death of a participant who elected a single life annuity without a cash refund feature under this part, no death benefit shall be payable.

(d) Upon the death of a participant who elected a joint and survivor annuity under this part, the annuity shall continue for life to the surviving beneficiary under the joint and survivor option.  If the beneficiary under the joint and survivor option has predeceased the participant, no death benefit shall be payable.

(e) Upon the death of a participant who elected a period certain annuity under this part prior to the completion of annuity payments due the participant, the remaining balance of payments shall be paid to the beneficiary designated by the participant pursuant to Section 27100.