Kylie, a south west health care worker received her $3000 cost of living bonus from the state government as part of her negotiated pay offer that was negotiated by the Health services Union.

However, to her surprise the bonus was paid as an income and not a supplement, therefore Kylie lost a third of it to tax and to make matters worse, her Centrelink was also cancelled as a result.

Kylie told 6PR Mornings host Gary Adshead that the amount that was sold as a $3000 upfront payment is not all it’s cracked up to be.

“I’m just trying to raise awareness – it is also dependent on the amount of hours you work as to how much you actually get,” she told Gary.

Once Kylie’s cost of living bonus was taxed, she was left with just $1900.

“I actually felt quiet naive, I feel like I should’ve known this but I don’t feel like I am the only one.”

“In some of the messaging and marketing it was definitely left off – the way it was sold is very different.”

Press PLAY to hear Kylie’s full story