Hundreds of teenagers in Nottingham are on Universal Credit, figures have revealed.
Analysis of the latest government figures reveal that 684 youngsters aged between 16 and 19 received the six-in-one benefit in August this year.
That works out as around one in every 34 teens of that age range across the city.
Campaigners said the findings reflected the huge number of people "struggling" on low incomes.
The figures also revealed that 80.2 percent of Nottingham’s teenagers on Universal Credit were unemployed.
The benefit is a monthly payment to help people struggling with living costs.
It replaced the previously separate child tax credit, housing benefit, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance and working tax credit.
But the scheme, first introduced in 2013, has been plagued by faults.
It meant the rollout - which was supposed to have been completed by 2017 - fell six years behind schedule.
Nottingham City Council Leader David Mellen said: “We have consistently raised our concerns about Universal Credit and the way it has adversely impacted on local residents.
"It should be helping, not hindering, young people starting out in life but we know of many instances where Universal Credit is adding to or creating debt troubles.
"We repeat our call for the Government to stop any further roll-out of Universal Credit, assess the damage that’s already been done and implement reforms to create a social security system that is fit for purpose and helps people when they need it.”
Across Nottinghamshire, the situation was worst in Mansfield.
There, one in every 20 teens aged between 16 and 19 was on Universal Credit as of August this year.
Rushcliffe, on the other hand, had a rate of just one in every 58.
Matthew Geer, campaigns manager at the poverty charity Turn2us, said: “The fact that teenagers are having to claim Universal Credit highlights how many families across the UK are struggling on low incomes.
“There are a number of reasons for under-18s to need to claim UC, such as a disability, a caring role, having a child of their own, or if they are without parental support.
“What is vital is that we don’t demonise young claimants, but support them holistically.
“Ultimately, we all want to live in a society that empowers the next generation to develop their skills and enable them to be financially stable.”
Across the UK, there were 98,563 teenagers aged between 16 and 19 who received Universal Credit in August this year.
That works out as around one in every 29 people in that age range.
The Government's Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince said: “Universal Credit is a force for good, delivering personalised support right across the East Midlands and helping people find work.
“This week the employment rate reached a joint record high and the jobs market continues to go from strength to strength.
"I have no doubt that this is due in part to our fantastic job centre staff, who work tirelessly to help people build their skills and find jobs.
“For people who want to find work, there’s a wide range of help available in job centres, including training courses, CV writing sessions and jobs fairs.”
