I am 47 and disabled d/t an occupational injury. I my lawsuit is still pending, and I have no money coming in... I am applying for SSD, but my lawyer says it will take a while, as I am young. Can I take money out of my IRA? And what are the penalties? Do I have to pay it back? This is for financial hardship, if that matters.

If you are disabled, you can withdraw money from your IRA with NO Early Withdrawal Penalty.

However, the distribution WILL be subject to federal and state income taxes.

You may have to provide proof of the disability when you file the tax return.