The study by Save the Children estimates around a quarter of a million children will be pushed "deeper into poverty" when the universal credit comes in.
Two-income families, often where women are the second earner could also lose up to £1,800 a year, said the charity.
The government hopes the universal credit will simplify the welfare system and make sure that work always pays more than benefits.
But Save the Children chief executive officer Justin Forsyth said: "Universal credit will help some families, but mums working hard to stay above the breadline are its big blind spot. It's incredibly hard bringing up three kids on £370 a week; losing almost a fifth of that will push many families over the edge."
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