Early withdrawal pension penalty exemption

[timmaggie]

My husband has been on disability since 2014. He is receiving social security disability and pension disability. He is 52 years old. This year he took a total distribution from his pension. Is he eligible to claim the exception on the early withdrawal penalty? What is needed to prove total and permanent disability?

Thank you

[MayaD]

Yes. He is eligible to claim the exception. 

Per IRS

Permanent and total disability. You are permanently
and totally disabled if you cannot engage
in any substantial gainful activity because
of your physical or mental condition. A qualified
physician must certify that the condition has lasted
or can be expected to last continuously for
12 months or more, or that the condition can be
expected to result in death.