My Mother had life insurance with my Dad as beneficiary but

My Mother had life insurance with my Dad as beneficiary but he passed first so it was never changed when she died it then was to be paid to myself and one sibling. She has died before claiming her money. I am intitled to money now. MY QUestions is the money she never claimed part of her estate? She had no will. I am wondering because insurance is ready to send check but I want to know if it needs to be filed with her other assets (just 2,000 savings) She was on medical in CA can they take the money? thanks