Kay

Mark,
To sum up: in 1 Tim.5 we see Paul addressing a particular problem that Church fellowship was having. They had a ministry done by “widows indeed” that were placed on a “roll” for financial support – just like many people today in “full time” ministry.
However, some other unqualified and perhaps unbelieving (re:vs.6 & 15: “dead while she lives”) young widows had been put on the roll because either they falsely pledged or because the individual members or families in the congregation were not doing their personal duty to care for them. So, Paul must tell the congregation:
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” vs.8 & “If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.” vs. 16

The fact that there is one group of widows who was to be fully supported financially does not mean that other needy widows who lacked families couldn’t be helped.