To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Notify Bank of America.We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts. This study guide has been designed to assist applicants to prepare for the. The named beneficiary should send the death certificate and a letter of instruction directly to the financial institution with instructions on distribution. A letter of instructions is not a legal document; it's a letter that provides additional and more-personal information regarding an estate. You'll need the person's Social Security number and certified copies of their death certificate for most agencies and programs. Social Security and Medicare. All amounts paid for the decedent's medical, funeral, burial expenses and all debts due but unpaid as of the date of death (i.e. NRS 689.148 Regulations.