Highly concerned about Benefit Robots on the Rise

Hello all, not sure if you can help but I am extremely worried by your recent news of 'Benefit Robots on the Rise' and the negative attitude of Civil Servants, at the DWP, towards sickness benefit claimant particularly those with mental health problems. I was really shocked and appalled by their attitude. To them, we are the scum of the earth. I suffer with clinical depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia and these difficulties have blighted my life for many years. I currently claim ESA (work related group) and DLA. About three years ago, after a face to face assessment, I was (wrongly) found fit for work. My own GP disagreed, I appealed and, after a year, the Tribunal upheld my appeal but moved me from the support group to the work related group. After all the trouble and stress I did not dare challenge this. To be honest, I live in fear of the DWP, my next assessment (haven't been called yet but Tribunal recommended 2 years and that was in 2017), and being moved from DLA to PIP because I don't think I stand a chance. What I would like to know is: to what extent are the Government Spying on benefit claimants? I have read some horror stories, in the press, that love to criminalize claimants. It seems that, nowadays, benefit claimants have no right to privacy or a life of their own without feeling constantly hounded. I have not stopped worrying since my last Tribunal. To what extent does the DWP spy on us? Do they have access to areas that are normally private for non-claimants? Can they spy into our bank accounts? Do any unusual incomings or outgoings 'flag up' on their computer systems? Am worried if this might happen if family members give gifts to help you make ends meet. Do the banks have an agreement with DWP to tell them if a claimant's account has a larger than usual deposit? I think the banks could now be in league with DWP. If you open an additional savings account, does this raise alarm bells with DWP via IT systems? I read somewhere, recently, that someone (innocent) was called in for interview under caution. They were told that under new 'spy laws' the DWP always monitor all claimants bank accounts. Is this true? They had obtained 4 months bank statements without the claimants permission. Very worrying. Have also heard that DWP officers can turn up at your home for an inspection without warning. Does the DWP go through our domestic refuse? The other week, I saw two men outside the home of one of my neighbours, apparently observing them for ages. Please tell me, what are these new 'spy laws' does it mean the DWP can snoop into all areas of our lives, including areas that used to be private? Are they observing our financial activity all the time via constant monitoring by computer/ robots? I am afraid to have anyone, of the opposite sex, staying with me for a couple of nights in case a neighbour sees this and reports me (I live alone). Recently, I have started going to college for two classes a week to gain qualifications to increase my chances of getting back into paid employment. The rest of the week I am utterly exhaused due to the fibromyalgia - I can't do anything much except rest. Also the social interactions at college cause me a lot of anxiety - it's very difficult but at least I am trying. However, I am worried the DWP could get access to CCTV and use it as evidence against me, as in 'if you can attend college there can't be anything wrong with you' and it was a change of circumstances I should have told them about. Being on benefits is a 'poverty trap' and now seems to be an invasion of privacy. Seems our lives are owned by the DWP to be compliant. Am not sleeping at nights. Would be grateful for comments and/ or advice. Many, many thanks.

Gordon, thank you for your reply. It helps to know I am not alone, it seems to be getting harder, these days, to find somewhere to share these issues. Many thanks.