The research found that more than two million 16- to 24-year-olds experience serious social welfare problems annually. But less than half of these young people receive advice or guidance to help them overcome their difficulties.
Problems deemed to be serious social welfare concerns included homelessness, being a victim of crime and mental ill health.
The recession is exacerbating the problem, the report found. This is because more young people are becoming Neet, which increases their prospect of experiencing social welfare problems.
Barbara Rayment, director of Youth Access, claimed there is "an alarming gap" in provision for young people with serious social welfare problems.
She said: "The government has already recognised the impact of the recession on the adult population by increasing access to debt and social welfare advice. However, the evidence shows investment in adult services has little impact on young people."
She warned that the government's forthcoming information, advice and guidance (IAG) strategy must include provision for young people who experience social welfare problems.
"There is a real need for a national strategy on information and advice that takes account of young people's social welfare needs into early adulthood, if we are to alleviate some of the difficulties this group experiences in accessing services. We hope ministers will take account of these issues as they further consider the IAG strategy," she said.
Rayment also called on staff working in integrated youth support and advice services to take action. She said professionals should work together at local level to commission sufficient advice and counselling services for young people.
