Occasionally, we receive questions as to the propriety of Church members receiving government assistance instead of Church assistance. Let me restate what is a fundamental principle. Individuals, to the extent possible, should provide for their own needs. Where the individual is unable to care for himself, his family should assist. Where the family is not able to provide, the Church should render assistance, not the government.

( Source:

Ezra Taft Benson, “Ministering to Needs through the Lord’s Storehouse System”, Ensign, May 1977

)