What do we think about UC/Welfare counting towards state pension contributions?

For most, to get full state pension it takes 35 years of contributions through paying NI or raising a child up to the age of 12 (but only if you claim child benefits during that time).

However, claiming welfare such as Universal Credit counts towards the years needed to be able to claim state pension too. If you don't claim UC/ Child benefit but are out of work, it doesn't count. Personally I find it strange that you need to claim benefits in order to secure future benefits.

Raising a child I can understand, for someone who chose to stay at home and raise their kids but lets say they get a divorce later on, then I think that's a fair reason to pay the 0-12 years.

What's your thoughts on this? I don't think anyone should receive £0 state pension or welfare after they retire, but perhaps it could be limited to X out of 35 years, or the 10 minimum so a lower pension payout if the NI hasn't been secured through work/tax.