More than nine out of ten likely claimants for Universal Credit would have one problem accessing benefits from the coalition's flagship welfare scheme, research has indicated.

A Citizens Advice survey based on responses from around 1,800 people in Birmingham, North Dorset and Wales, suggests 92% of people would struggle in one of five problem areas identified.

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.

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.

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.

Last week Wigan MBC became the latest pilot area to take part in getting claimants on board, and welfare minister Lord Freud said he was encouraged by pathfinder progress, adding UC was ‘being introduced in a slow, safe and controlled manner to ensure we get this vital reform right'.

The national roll-out of UC is set to be complete by 2017.  However, in May, the Major Projects Authority reported the DWP's £13bn  benefits payment programme is at risk of failure and in need of urgent remedial action.