[perseusmandate]

I've heard many times in the church that you're supposed to pay tithing even if you can't afford it and that "blessings" (often material) will make up the difference. It is patently dangerous financial advice.

The amount of welfare the church distributes via the bishop's storehouse is paltry compared to their overall holdings. It would also be extremely embarrassing to have to go to the leadership in your community and ask them to support you

You don't have to pay tithing to get access to the financial support of the church but you do in order to get a temple recommend and thus participate in basic and fundamental activities such as attending the marriage of a loved one, do all the temple work they always tell you to etc