Benefits Claim - Bank statements

[newnameoldme]

I have finally made an appointment to see if I can claim any benefits and they have asked me to take 3 months bank statements.
I understand I have to show any savings but I really do not see why I should be expected to share my private information of 3 months of my spending when I was a private person not claiming any state benefits.

How can I avoid this without refusing something that will mark me out as deviant from the beginning?

So intrigued about what you’ve been spending your money on!!

You want the government to hand you money without checking that you're entitled to it?

It's not 'government' money, it's tax-payers' money, and I expect checks to be made to ensure it only goes to those entitled to it.

They’re not interested in your income than outgoings

MORE interested

Zombie thread!

For example op, if you are claiming benefits but the assessor can see that you just transferred £20k to your mum last week, to get your savings down below the savings limit, then that would be relevant.

I've only claimed JSA once but the same applied then. I think it's normal practice, to protect the public purse. They don't care that you shop in Waitrose rather than Lidl.

I really understand your feelings OP.

I had never claimed any benefit and then my whole life changed. I had to swallow my pride and apply for benefits.

I found handing over of my private bank statements and documents to a stranger very hard too.
However, you have to do what you have to do. Also, I decided a little humility is good for the soul!

I received my tax credits and they have been a lifeline through difficult times. As far as I know, no one cares about my statements and we all moved on!
Good luck