Image caption Millions of claimants will soon receive one payment a month

Millions of benefits claimants will struggle to manage their money under Universal Credit, according to research for the Payments Council.

When Universal Credit is introduced most people will receive their benefits once a month, rather than once a fortnight as at present.

The Payments Council said that 2.7m current claimants will struggle with their finances as a result.

But the government said some people will still get their money fortnightly.

The Payments Council, which oversees bank and card transfers in the UK, carried out the survey of claimants within the last month.

It found that many of them are worried about running into debt, or struggling to pay bills on time.

"The introduction of Universal Credit means that people will have to be savvier about managing their money and will have to plan for the whole month instead of budgeting on a weekly basis," said Adrian Kamellard, the chief executive of the Payments Council.

Universal Credit is due to replace six current benefits over the next four years, but its roll-out has been delayed.

Delay

The government believes it will be good for most people to receive monthly payments.

It says they will be able to access better financial deals, for example by doing larger, but cheaper, shopping trips.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says claimants will also be able to pay less for energy, though a single monthly direct debit payment.

A spokesman said those who really need fortnightly payments will still be able to get them.

Others will be helped towards monthly payments, and will receive sympathetic support during the change.

At the moment only four areas, around Manchester, are piloting Universal Credit.

The towns are Ashton under Lyne, Wigan, Warrington and Oldham.

Six more areas, Hammersmith in London, Inverness, Rugby, Harrogate, Bath and Shotton will be moved onto Universal Credit between October and the spring of 2014.

Originally the government had planned to launch Universal Credit across the country in October, but had to abandon the idea.

Last month, the National Audit Office (NAO) spending watchdog said the programme suffered from "weak management, ineffective control and poor governance".

The Payments Council is offering further advice to anyone who is worried about budgeting on Universal Credit.