Cal. Educ. Code § 24602

The board may establish a special account and procedures to pay, on an emergency basis, allowances, death payments, and up to 75 percent of the return of the balance of the accumulated retirement contributions as a result of termination of employment or death. Disbursements under the special account shall be by checks issued by the system and subject to the auditing requirements of the Controller. Payments under the special account shall be deducted from allowances, death benefits, and payment of accumulated retirement contributions, otherwise due.