Dr.Monzer Kahf, a prominent economist and counselor states: “it is permissible to give zakah to a family member if he/she is really poor and in need for help. But I prefer that one helps them from their own money and give Zakah to other needy persons. The reason is that Zakah is the money that cleans your wealth and heart Insha’Allah and it is better to keep family members out of this cleansing money if you can, but again it is permissible to give to him if he is in need.”