THE NHS has a new online questionnaire to help you check if you're eligible for free prescriptions.

The initiative comes as the health service says that false claims cost the NHS around £256 million a year.

Free prescriptions are available for those under 16 years old or 16, 17 and 18 and in full time education, or over 60.

Pregnant women and new mothers are eligible to claim free prescriptions.

Certain illnesses can also exempt you from prescription charges as well as being on some benefits.

For all the above exemptions, the pharmacist will ask for proof of eligibility.

Depending on which criteria you fall under that could mean proof of age, proof you're in full time education or an exception certificate.

For new mums and mums-to-be you'll need a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate, which you can apply for as soon as a midwife, doctor or health visitor confirms that you're pregnant.

The "Check before you tick" online questionnaire is part of a national campaign to help people better understand if they qualify for free prescriptions.

The website runs you through a series of questions to help you determine whether you can receive free prescriptions.

False claims result in a £256 million cost to the NHS each year and incorrectly claiming a free prescription can lead to a £100 fine.

Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland but in England they cost £8.80 an item unless you qualify for an exception.

For those who don't qualify for free prescriptions but are struggling financially, there are other means of support such as prepayment certificates and the NHS low income scheme.

Your pharmacist should be able to advise you on whether you qualify for the schemes.

In May, it was revealed that a number of medications used to treat 35 conditions would no longer be available with an NHS prescription.

The ban was introduced to save the cash scrapped health service around £100 million a year.

The cost of a prescription went up by 20 pence this year - from £8.60 to £8.80.