ITV’s 99 To Beat to see Preston woman take part in first episode
A Cottam woman will be on prime time Saturday night TV this evening. Sarah Plummer is a contestant on a brand new game show. She took part in 99 To […]
Presented by brothers Ryan and Adam Thomas the show joins the likes of Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win and Tipping Point in the broadcasters roster of challenge shows.
The prize on offer is £25,000 with an intense competition pitting a hundred people against each other to win the prize in a series of challenging games and tasks.
37-year-old nursery manager Sarah said: “I loved going on the show. It was such a different experience and the games were so much fun. I actually can’t wait for my friends and family to have a go!”
Sarah preparing for the first episode Pic: Sarah Plummer/Blog Preston
The Thomas brothers, who appear in Coronation Street and Emmerdale, said: “It really is the ultimate family show, and so we couldn’t be more excited to be hosting it together, as a family, we’re thrilled to be helming it together as siblings.
“It’s a dream come true for us. We can already imagine people at home playing these games with their families as it’s fun/silly/competitive and heartfelt.”
The first episode is at 6pm on Saturday (22 March) on ITV1.
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-hand-holding-canadian-money.jpg?id=59803048&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=132%2C0%2C132%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you're 65 or older and receiving retirement benefits from the Canadian government, your next <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/old-age-security" target="_blank">Old Age Security (OAS)</a> payment is just around the corner — and it's slightly higher than before.</p><p><span></span>OAS is one of the main federal programs helping seniors cover everyday costs in retirement. Payments are adjusted four times a year to account for inflation, and the latest increase kicked in for the July-to-September 2025 quarter.</p><p>Here's everything to know about this month's OAS deposit.</p><h3>What is OAS and who qualifies?</h3><br/><p>OAS is a monthly federal pension available to most Canadians aged 65 and up, regardless of work history. To qualify, you must:</p><ul><li>Be 65 or older</li><li>Have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18</li><li>Be a Canadian citizen or legal resident</li></ul><p>If you now live abroad, you may still qualify if you lived in Canada for at least 20 years as an adult.</p><p>Note: Higher-income seniors may see a partial repayment (known as a clawback) if their net annual income exceeds $148,541 (ages 65–74) or $154,196 (75+).</p><p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/eligibility.html" target="_blank">More about OAS eligibility</a></p><h3>When will July's OAS deposit land?</h3><br/><p>Your OAS should arrive on <strong>Tuesday, July 29, 2025</strong> — a date that falls within Service Canada's typical end-of-month window. If you've signed up for direct deposit, the funds will show up in your bank account that day. </p><p>If you receive payments by cheque, it should arrive in the mail by then, though delays are always possible. Direct deposit is the safest and fastest option.</p><h3>How much are seniors getting now?</h3><br/><p>With the new rates in effect, the maximum OAS payments are:</p><ul><li><strong>$734.95/month</strong> for those aged <strong>65 to 74</strong></li><li><strong>$808.45/month</strong> for those aged <strong>75 and over</strong></li></ul><p>That’s a modest increase from the spring. OAS rates are reviewed quarterly — in January, April, July and October — and while they can rise with inflation, they never decrease.</p><p>If you also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or Allowance programs, your total monthly benefit could surpass $1,800, depending on your income and household status.</p><p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/benefit-amount.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More about OAS payment amounts</a></p><h3>How do you sign up?</h3><br/><p>Many people are automatically enrolled and receive a letter from Service Canada around their 64th birthday. If you don't get one, or if you need to apply manually, you can:</p><ul> <li>Apply online through your My Service Canada Account</li><li>Submit a paper form by mail</li><li>Visit a Service Canada office in person</li></ul><p> You can choose to start OAS any time after you turn 65, up to age 70. Delaying increases your monthly payment permanently.</p><p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/apply.html" target="_blank">More about applying for OAS</a></p><h3>Is OAS taxable?</h3><br/><p>Yes. OAS is considered taxable income. Unless you ask for tax to be withheld, nothing will be deducted at source, which could leave you with a tax bill later. To avoid surprises, you can set up voluntary deductions through your online account or by sending in a request form.</p><p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security/while-receiving.html#h2.3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More about OAS and your taxes</a></p><h2>Remaining 2025 OAS payment dates</h2> <ul> <li> August 27</li> <li> September 25</li> <li> October 29</li> <li> November 26</li> <li> December 22</li> </ul> <p>If you receive payments by mail, keep an eye out around those dates. Direct deposit remains the most reliable way to avoid delays.</p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p><p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
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