The welfare system should be used and was intended for short term crisis and I've no issue with that. Sadly they are that generous and are now seen as a lifestyle choice for many. Like heroin it's hard to ween people off them. Sadly the welfare state as it is now encourages fecklessness, lazyness, fraud, lack of independence etc. It's an absolute disgrace.
Private pensions aside, public sector ones are a form of deferred payment. State pensions are actually funded by NI contributions, so not exactly a completely 'free' handout. Unless of course you don't work and contribute bugger all so yes you are correct they are benefits to those who haven't earnt them.