(a) The state shall pay a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) death benefit to the surviving spouse of, or a beneficiary designated by, any member of the California National Guard, State Guard, or Naval Militia who dies or is killed after March 1, 2003, in the performance of duty.
(b) The Military Department shall determine if the death occurred in the performance of the member’s duty, and shall issue a certificate of benefit eligibility under this section within 20 days of application by the surviving spouse or a designated beneficiary.
(c) The state shall pay the death benefit within 10 days of the receipt of the certificate of benefit eligibility from the surviving spouse or a beneficiary designated by the service member.