What about their accrued vacation or PTO?

What this usually means

In California, accrued vacation and PTO are considered wages and cannot be forfeited. The employer must pay out the balance to the estate. Contact HR with a death certificate and ask for the final paycheck and vacation payout. This is California law — employers cannot withhold it.

What to do next

• Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
• Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
• Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
• Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.

Related questions

• What employer benefits might I be entitled to after a spouse dies?
• How do I claim employer-provided life insurance?
• What if the employer life insurance beneficiary is wrong or outdated?
• What if they were self-employed?
• How do I notify their employer of the death?