Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts.The beneficiary or beneficiaries must provide notarized letters of instruction in addition to the death certificate. Both joint account with right of. One thing for sure is that the bank will want to know the specific reasons for the removal request as the next-to-kin. How to claim a deceased's bank accounts is simple and straightforward if there is no dispute regarding ownership. In New York State, the Surrogate's Court decides what happens to a person's property when that person dies. Select your relationship to the owner in the dropdown and then select Next. I called Bank of America to inquire why they would send a letter saying my mother was dead and they needed her death certificate if she is not dead.