If you qualify, and if you did as described in the guide, and you still do not get to see the year offer, then contact Apple Support. They can assist in getting you the service, if needed using activation codes.
Accepting the 7 day trial would forfeit the year offer, so I would advise to not do the regular trial of you qualify for the year.
Just starting watching without getting the subscription, may offer a few free access teaser episodes, but the full Apple TV+ catalog requires the subscription. You would receive a confirmation email after starting the subscription.