A "National Hardship Register", intended to shield some of the most vulnerable from the worst debt collection practices, is up and running. The Australian Collectors and Debt Buyers Association said, "when a person experiencing severe, long-term hardship is included in the NHR, debt collection activity from subscribing ACDBA members ceases."Debt buyers will also waive the debt in full after three years, provided the consumer remains on the NHR during that time. For some people this could be a less severe alternative to bankruptcy. Consumers wishing to be considered for inclusion on the register must meet certain eligibility criteria based on an assessment of their income and expenditure and asset position and must be recommended for inclusion by a free not-for-profit financial counsellor linked to the NHR.Around 160 people are already on the register. The data collected on this group shows the majority of them were on very low incomes, such as Disability Support Pensions, with many experiencing serious mental or physical health problems.