Suzanne Coates, 29, from Hull, said she'd been left with just £34 for herself and daughters Bethany, 11, and Gracie Mae, five, while her Universal Credit claim is processed.
She was switched onto Universal Credit after getting a job as a cleaner which meant she moved off Job Seekers Allowance, which she'd claimed for a decade.
The controversial new welfare system bundles six existing benefits into a single monthly payment.
Suzanne said: "I feel really bad, I've been crying so much recently, I've been an emotional wreck, I feel poorly constantly."
The mum-of-two said she wanted to get a job to make a better life for her and her daughters but now wishes she'd stayed on Job Seekers Allowance.
She said: "I wish I'd stayed on JSA because at least I had stability in the old system. You knew where you were with money and when you would get paid, it goes into bank every four weeks, but now I'm going from one month the other not knowing what money I've got.
"I know you're meant to feel great when you get a job but I don't feel great. I just want to pack it in.
"Universal Credit is just rubbish, there's no stability in your life.
"I don't know how I'll manage, but we do, we buy from charity shops, I budget, I always make sure I've got a full freezer."
The new welfare system was designed to make claiming benefits simpler, combining six different payments into one, but has proved controversial, with reports of IT issues, massive overspends and administrative problems.
The scheme is being implemented across Britain in phases, but claimants have said the five-week wait to get their first payment has pushed them into debt.
What to do if you have problems claiming Universal Credit
IF you're experiencing trouble applying for your Universal Credit, or the payments just don't cover costs, here are your options:
Apply for an advance – Claimants are able to get some cash within five days rather than waiting weeks for their first payment. But it's a loan which means the repayments will be automatically deducted from your future Universal Credit pay out.
Alternative Payment Arrangements– If you're falling behind on rent, you or your landlord may be able to apply for an APA which will get your payment sent directly to your landlord. You might also be able to change your payments to get them more frequently, or you can split the payments if you're part of a couple.
Budgeting Advance – You may be able to get help from the government to help with emergency household costs of up to £348 if you're single, £464 if you're part of a couple or £812 if you have children. These are only in cases like your cooker breaking down or for help getting a job. You'll have to repay the advance through your regular Universal Credit payments. You'll still have to repay the loan, even if you stop claiming for Universal Credit.
Cut your Council Tax – You might be able to get a discount on your Council Tax or be entitled to Discretionary Housing Payments if your payments aren't enough to cover your rent.
Foodbanks – If you're really hard up and struggling to buy food and toiletries, you can find your local foodbank who will provide you with help for free. You can find your nearest one on the Trussel Trust website.
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