Concluding half of a two-part special looks at life for some of the largest families in the UK whose income is provided by the state.. 39-year-old Tom and 40-year-old Stacey Shaw have 14 kids, and their big family life is supported by the welfare state to the tune of an estimated £70,000 a year. Five of the kids were born after Tom gave up his job as a postman 10 years ago to become a full-time carer for one of his older sons, who has a potentially life-threatening medical condition. The ever-growing family has depended on handouts ever since.