More than three million pensioners who are currently in receipt of a free TV licence will see their access revoked from Saturday, as a result of a funding row between ministers and the BBC.
The public service broadcaster said all over 75s will have to foot the full £157.50 bill from August for the first time in 20 years.
TV Licensing said it will write directly to over-75s customers with guidance "highlighting that no-one will need to take immediate action".
No-one will be expected to pay for a new licence until they have been contacted in writing, the organisation said.
The new plan will include an option for pensioners to spread the cost in weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments.
Under the new terms, the benefit will be means-tested instead, meaning if you qualify for pensions credit, you will still get a free licence.
One million people missing out
The Government says that TV Licences will remain free for anyone in receipt of pension credits - and according to consumer expert Martin Lewis, 1million people are unaware they qualify for the extra support.
It means now is the time to apply - before the bill drops through your letterbox.
He said one million families are currently missing out on pensions credit - and many of them are struggling financially as a result.
If you're over state pension age, live in the UK, and earn less than £173.75 a week as a single person or £265.20 a week as a couple, including pensions, savings and work, then you could be entitled to a top up.
As well as free access to TV, those who claim the benefit may also get a council tax reduction, £25 a week off their gas bills, free dental care and a £140 warm home discount to cover their winter bills.
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Over 65s who wear glasses may also qualify for vouchers worth up to £215 as well as housing benefit to help cover rent payments.
The scheme, which is run by the Department for Work and Pensions, is not automatic - meaning you will have to apply and be assessed first.
It's largely available to those who live in the UK, have reached state pension age (your partner must be at state pension age too) and have less than £10,000 in savings (if you have more, you may get a reduced payment instead).
You can apply via Gov.uk if you've already claimed your state pension, but otherwise you'll need to phone the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234.
"From August, free TV licences for over-75s will only be available to households where someone gets Pension Credit," Martin said.
"But more than a million of society's poorest families miss out on the benefit despite being eligible."
TV Licensing said it will be operating a "self-verification system" where for people to "simply" demonstrate that they receive pension credit when the new rules come into force.
We've got a full guide on who can claim pensions credit, here.
