The goal will be to spend it all during his life but to make it stretch as well. He is 59 and not able to go back to work.
I was thinking maybe something like Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBTLX) would be relatively safe. Any thoughts?
Depending on his disability, people with disabilities tend to have a lower life expectancy. So statistically he should claim Social Security as early as possible to maximize his benefits.
Based on his risk tolerance either put it in a Target retirement fund that is 60/40 bonds to stocks or if he is ultra conservative the Total Bond Market Index Fund.
To the poster that said bonds don't do well in a rising interest rate environment that is correct, but only if you sell before the bonds mature. If you are going for yield then a bond fund with various maturities will be just fine. But if they will be selling principal then a mix of stocks and bonds would probably be optimal.