PathAfter FAQ
California-Specific Agencies and Programs
Focused answers for people handling the first days, paperwork, and follow-up steps after a death in California.
Start checklistWeek 2–4 administration and California-specific questions
What is Medi-Cal estate recovery and will it affect me?California's Medi-Cal Estate Recovery Program recovers costs paid for long-term care services (nursing home, in-home supportive services) from the estates of beneficiaries who were 55 or older when they received those services. The claim is against the estate — not surviving family…How do I respond to a Medi-Cal estate recovery claim?DHCS sends a notice to the estate. You have the right to request a hardship waiver, an undue hardship exemption, or to challenge the amount claimed. You can also request a delay if a surviving spouse or disabled dependent lives in the…What is the California Victim Compensation Board?A state agency that provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime and their surviving family members. Covers funeral and burial costs (up to $12,475 as of 2024), mental health counseling, lost income, and relocation costs. Apply at victims.ca.gov. You do not…What county Veterans Service Offices are available in California?Every California county has a Veterans Service Office (VSO) that provides free help with VA claims, survivor benefits, pension applications, and burial benefits. They are free, they know VA paperwork, and they can dramatically speed up claims. Find yours at cdva.ca.gov or…What is the California Employment Development Department death notification?If the deceased received unemployment or disability benefits from EDD, notify EDD of the death to stop payments. Call 1-800-300-5616. Overpayments received after death may be subject to recovery from the estate.What is the California Secretary of State's role after a death?If the deceased owned a business entity (LLC, corporation, partnership) registered with the California Secretary of State, the business remains active until dissolved or transferred. Notify the SOS when the business is wound down. Failure to keep up with annual statements can…What is the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau?The state agency that licenses and regulates funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematoriums. File complaints about billing problems, prepaid funeral fund issues, or unprofessional conduct at 1-800-952-5210. They can intervene in disputes and pursue enforcement.What is the California Contractors State License Board's role after a death?If the deceased was a licensed contractor, the license dies with them (unless held by a business entity). Notify the CSLB. If they had a bond, it may be a source for resolving unpaid obligations. Surviving partners in a contractor business should…How does California handle unclaimed property?The California State Controller's Office holds unclaimed financial property — dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, unclaimed insurance benefits. Search at claimit.ca.gov. There is no deadline to claim. If you find unclaimed property in the deceased's name, the estate can claim it with…What is the California Public Administrator?A county official who manages the estates of people who die with no known family or no one willing to serve as administrator. If you are a distant relative or friend and the estate is being handled by the public administrator, contact…What is the California Department of Social Services' role after a death?If the deceased received CalWORKs, CalFresh, General Assistance, or other CDSS benefits, notify the county social services office. Stop benefits immediately. Overpayments may be recovered from the estate. If a child in the household was receiving benefits, contact the office about continued…What is the California Franchise Tax Board's role after a death?A California state income tax return (Form 540) must be filed for the year of death. If the estate generates income, a California estate income tax return (Form 541) may be required. The FTB has a special unit for deceased taxpayer accounts…What is California AB 1949 bereavement leave?California law (effective January 1, 2023) requires employers with 5 or more employees to provide up to 5 days of bereavement leave for the death of a qualifying family member (spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, domestic partner, or parent-in-law). The leave…What is California's Right to Know law regarding cause of death?Next of kin have the right to request a copy of the coroner's report in California. Submit a Public Records Act request to the county coroner's office. Reports may have portions redacted during an active investigation but must be released once the…What is California Probate Code Section 13100?The California statute that authorizes the small estate affidavit process. Institutions are required by law to release assets to someone presenting a proper 13100 affidavit plus a death certificate, 40 days after death, for estates under the threshold. If an institution refuses…