California Code, Government Code - GOV § 21497

If the total value of the benefit to be paid pursuant to Section 21493, 21494, or 21506 is less than an amount determined by the board, the benefit may be paid to the first member of the entitled class of beneficiaries who files a claim.  If the total value of the benefit pursuant to any of these sections exceeds the amount established by the board but the number of qualifying beneficiaries under these sections is such that any individual benefit will be less than the amount established by the board, the board shall limit the number of beneficiaries so that no individual's benefit will be less than the amount established by the board.  The board shall determine the recipients on the basis of the order in which claims are made.