"The State Pension is an existing welfare benefit that forms part of the United Kingdom Government's pension arrangements. Benefits vary depending on the age of the individual and their contribution record. Currently anyone can make a claim, provided they have a minimum number of qualifying years of contributions."
It IS a benefit,just based on NI qualifying years. In fact that doesn’t even have to be financial contributions. If unemployed and claiming benefits / signed off sick your NI contribution is made for you .