Upon the death of a member prior to retirement who was a member continuously for not less than 18 months immediately prior to the member’s death, the member’s surviving spouse shall be paid a monthly survivor’s allowance equal to the sum, based upon the appropriate factual circumstances, specified in Section 31855.8 or 31855.12.
Source:
Section 31855.5, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=31855.5..