Is it permissible to give the expiation for fasting (Kaffarat as-Siyam) to relatives?

If the relative is not someone whose maintenance is obligatory, and falls under the categories eligible for zakat, then they are more deserving of it than others, based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: "Charity given to a poor person is charity, and charity given to a relative is two: charity and maintaining kinship ties." However, if a distant person is in greater need, then they are more deserving of it, and the relative should not be favored.