Is it permissible to count the monthly amount paid to a needy brother from the Zakat funds?

It is permissible to give zakat to a relative who is not a parent or a child, provided that they are among the eight categories eligible to receive zakat, and that the zakat payer intends it as zakat before giving it; for intention after giving it is not sufficient, due to the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Actions are but by intentions, and every person will have what they intended."