Is it permissible to give zakah and fitrah to grandchildren?

Dear Brother / Sister,

It is permissible to give sadaqah al-fitr (fitrah) to the same people as zakah.

A person can give zakah to all of his relatives except his lineal relatives, that is, his ancestors and descendants. A person cannot give zakah to his mother, father, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc, and his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.  He can give zakah to his brothers if they are poor.   

Accordingly, a person cannot give his fitrah to his grandchildren. For, if his grandchildren are needy and if their parents cannot look after them, the grandfather or grandmother has to look after them.

Questions on Islam