The process of claiming a bank account after death varies based on a number of factors. Here's how to claim a deceased person's bank accounts.In California, an account holder should complete a Totten trust document. A Totten Trust is a payable-on-death account with a named beneficiary. The following provides detailed information on what documentation is needed in order for us to verify your ownership of the property. Most bank accounts can pass directly to beneficiaries, without the need for probate or the court's intervention. Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts. In this post, we'll walk through each section of the DE111 form, providing stepbystep instructions on how to fill it out correctly and avoid common mistakes. You'll also need the decedent's legal name and Social Security number.