Is it permissible for a wife to take money from her mother to cover her needs and the needs of her children, and what about taking from her mother's allocated charity (sadaqat) meant for distribution, knowing that the husband is not negligent but has limited means?

There is no harm in accepting a gift or a recommended charity from the mother, especially if not accepting it would displease her, for through her contentment, the contentment of Allah is achieved.

As for the mother's charity given to you for distribution: - If it is Zakat al-Mal (obligatory charity on wealth): Scholars differed on the permissibility of a mother giving her Zakat to her married and poor daughter. Some permitted it because the daughter's maintenance is no longer the mother's responsibility after her marriage. Others prohibited it because the general rule is not to give Zakat to ascendants or descendants. Some scholars preferred the permissibility of giving Zakat to a poor husband, or to the daughter if the mother is unable to complete her maintenance.

- If it is voluntary charity (Sadaqah): Scholars differed on the permissibility for a poor agent to take from the charity they are entrusted to distribute without explicit permission. Some prohibited it, while others permitted it if the mother did not specify particular individuals or entities for payment. The preferred approach is not to take from it except with the mother's permission, to avoid scholarly disagreement.