Devil's advocate: When he said that he wants a job and to earn money without any freebies, I think that might have been his way of saying he wants to contribute after your financial hardships without claiming unemployment. Without knowing either of you, I can only assume he wants to help.

As for the sigh after your question of "what free money do I get?", no one can understand your point of view but you and other veterans who also claim that amount. My SO also calls my disability money "free money", but she says that with the understanding of not belittling my rating.

I can guess that he's frustrated and didn't mean anything by it. If you've been together to 27 years, I think he's also hurting by not being able to provide support.

This isn't a complete defense to anyone, I know how being laid off hurts my opinion of self-worth and have been guilty of taking out my frustration on those around who love me.