Is it permissible to give zakat to a married sister who works, as does her husband, but she is in debt?

It is permissible to give zakat (definition) to a sister to pay off her debt if she is unable to pay and her debt is due (not deferred), as she would then be considered among those in debt (al-ghaarimeen). However, if her debt is deferred, scholars have differed on the permissibility of giving her zakat. The more correct view according to al-Nawawi is that it is not permissible because she is not in immediate need of it. The prohibition is further emphasized if she is able to pay from her salary.