Free TV Licence - applying

A colleague states that she has attempted to obtain blank forms to help people over 75 apply for free TV licences. The information comes back that they have none, and the only way to get a form is:

“If you think you’re eligible for a free licence but have not held one before, call 0300 790 6117 and speak to one of our advisors to request an application form. (Our lines are open between 8.30am and 6.30pm, from Monday to Friday.)” 
[There is a complicated Options Menu to navigate]

“Once you receive your application form, you’ll need to complete and return it. Please include a copy of your Pension Credit and proof of age documents. This could be a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions or The Pension Service.

Once we’ve received your application it may take a few weeks to process. If there are any problems we’ll write to let you know. We may also call you if you have given us your phone number.”

This system looks likely to be hard to navigate for many pensioners and may put many off.

Has anyone else encountered this?

We are looking at doing a campaign to get our residents to claim pension credit and then helping them to get free TV licence. We looked at the website and saw the issues your highlighting. It seems ridiculous that you have to call for an application form and that one is not provided online or for their to be an easier process. If you can apply for a paid TV licence online then why cant you apply for an exemption. It does defiantly appear to putting barriers for people to get the free licence.