Prior employer terminated a pension plan. We'd like to take the lump distribution of 25,000 to pay some bills rather than roll over, but the taxes and penalty are 30%?

My husband's  prior employer terminated a pension plan, and we would like to take the lump sum of $25,000 to pay some bills. There is a rollover option, but again, we'd like to be out of debt. We knew there would be taxes, but not wanting to loose that much out the distribution- What, if any, are the options to minimize that burden? Thank you.