Is it permissible to give Zakat al-Fitr a few days before Ramadan?

Zakat al-Fitr becomes obligatory upon breaking the fast of Ramadan. The time of its obligation is debated: some say it is upon the sunset of the last day of Ramadan, while others say it is upon the dawn of the Eid day. As for the time of its disbursement, it is before the Eid prayer. It is permissible to disburse it one or two days before Eid, following the example of the Companions of the Prophet, peace be upon him, but more than that is not permissible.