Is it permissible to delay giving Zakat to the deserving due to the unavailability of a means to deliver it?

If zakat has been separated from one's wealth, it is not permissible to benefit from it, whether little or much, until it is handed over to its rightful recipient. It appears that there is no objection to delaying it if the delay is for the purpose of giving it to someone who is more deserving, such as a relative or someone in severe need, provided that the delay is not prolonged.