Q: What does NASW Do?
- Founded in 1955, and based in Washington, DC, NASW is the largest professional social work organization in the United States. NASW promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also advocates to improve public policies that strengthen society.
Q: Why Join NASW?
- The "Top Five Reasons" to join NASW are to:
1.) Advance in the workplace with continuing education, practice information, career help and resources for your professional development;
2.) Connect with colleagues through social media, national and chapter-sponsored events;
3.) Protect yourself with legal and ethics guidance, risk management resources and NASW insurance;
4.) Advocate for social work in Washington, DC, and state legislatures, and change public perceptions of our profession; and,
5.) Receive national and chapter membership with one annual dues.
Q: What are the membership types?
- There are membership types for each stage of your career. Visit the Membership Types page to learn about each membership type and annual dues rates.
Q: What are the benefits of joining the NASW?
- As an NASW member, you have access to tools and resources that will help you advance your career, protect your practice, connect with peers, and advocate for social work. The more you use your membership, the more you benefit. Learn more about Membership Benefits.
Q: How long is the membership year?
- Your membership year is 12 months from the date that you join, or renew, and pay your dues in full.
Q: Does NASW offer payment options?
- NASW does not currently offer installment options for new members. Renewing members may pay dues in two or three installments, in advance of their renewal date. If you choose to send a partial payment with your first notice, your subsequent notices will reflect a credit and a remaining balance. This option is not available online. Installment payments may be sent by mail to PO Box 79949, Baltimore, MD 21279-0949, or by calling NASW Member Services at 800-742-4089, Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
Q: How do I join, or renew, and pay my dues?
- You have three options for paying your dues:
1.) You may pay in full to join, reinstate, or renew online.
2.) You may pay by phone by calling NASW Member Services at 800-742-4089 Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
3.) You may mail your payment to NASW:
- Mail member renewals to: PO Box 79949, Baltimore, MD 21279-0949
Q: How soon do I get membership benefits after I join?
- Your membership benefits are active the date your dues are paid in full as a new member, or when you renew and pay your dues in full as a continuing member.
Q: How soon will I receive my membership packet?
- You will receive your membership packet within two weeks of joining and paying your dues in full.
Q: Where do I direct membership card and certificate requests?
- You may print a copy of your membership card or certificate at no charge in the Member Center. NASW Member Services can provide replacement membership cards, certificates or member brochures on request. A $15 replacement fee may be charged for a member card.
Q: When will I receive my renewel notice?
- NASW sends a letter and an email 90 days in advance of each member’s renewal date and another letter and email during the month of each member’s renewal date.
Q: Can I cancel my membership and request a refund?
- Refunds for cancellation of membership must be requested in writing within 30 days of membership activation. A $25 processing fee will be applied to refunds of membership dues. NASW Member Services can assist with all refund requests.
Q: How do I reinstate my membership?
- Former members can reinstate membership at any time. To reinstate your membership online, visit www.socialworkers.org/reinstate, and enter the email address on file with NASW when you were last a member. To reinstate by phone or for assistance, please call NASW Member Services at 800-742-4089 Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. Members may not be able to reinstate at a reduced rate (if applicable).
Q: Why should I join a specialty practice section (SPS)?
- The Specialty Practice Sections focus on issues, policies, and trends affecting social work practice in numerous specialty areas and provide specialized content and information. SPS also offers free practice-based webinars with free Continuing Education (CE) credit. Learn more at www.socialworkers.org/sections. The fee is $40 per year for each section selected.
Q: Do I need to be an NASW member to join a specialty practice section (SPS)?
- Yes, to join Specialty Practice Sections you must be an NASW member.
Q: Are my dues tax deductable?
- Membership dues payments and other payments to NASW are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes. They may be tax deductible, however, as ordinary and necessary business expenses subject to federal limits related to Association lobbying activity. Members who qualify to deduct membership dues payments from income taxes should note the following: For the calendar year ending Dec. 31, 2020, 5.0 percent of the annual NASW dues payment is not deductible. The percentage is based on the amount of Association lobbying activity in 2020. Tax deductible percentages are available, annually, in January and printed in the February/March issue of Social Work Advocates.
Q: How do I access my membership profile and make updates?
- To access your membership profile and make updates, please visit the NASW Member Center at www.socialworkers.org/membercenter. You will be asked to provide your username and password to log in
Q: How do I apply for insurance
- Insurance coverage must be obtained and purchased separately from your membership. For information on professional liability insurance, term life, long-term disability, or accident protection insurance, visit www.naswassurance.org.
Q: Whom do I contact regarding general membership questions?