The overwhelming majority of people likely to claim Universal Credit (UC) are not prepared to deal with the single-payment benefit reform by the time it is rolled out nationally, research has indicated.

A survey conducted by Citizens Advice based on responses from around 1,800 people in Birmingham, North Dorset and Wales, suggests more than nine in ten people would find it hard to manage one of five problem areas.

These include coping with the shift from weekly payments to a monthly household budget, accessing a suitable bank account, ability to use the online self-service and keeping informed of changes.

A majority of people do not feel ready to deal with Universal Credit, the report suggests.

Around two-thirds would struggle to use the Internet to manage their UC account, and three quarters would not be able to keep track of their household funds on a monthly basis without help, the survey found.

Gillian Guy, Citizens Advice chief executive, said: ‘Our report shows that an overwhelming majority of people do not feel ready to deal with universal credit. Our findings must act as a wake-up call for government.

‘The results demonstrate yet again how vital it is that implementing universal credit is not left to chance. There is clearly a breakdown in the system if 90% of potential claimants are not ready to deal with this major change to their payments, and ministers must act urgently to address this problem.’

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said the Government was working with councils, social landlords and community groups, including Citizens Advice, to offer support to claimants.

‘We have always been clear some claimants will need extra support ahead of universal credit. The four-year rollout of the new benefit will give us time to prepare people and give them the right help,’ the spokesman added.