Policy Updates


Latest Updates

Student Loan Cancellation Website Now Live: Apply by December 31, 2023


NASW continues to work to make student loan debt relief a reality. One step in this is the Biden-Harris Administration’s federal student loan cancellation program.

President Biden announced on October 17, 2022, that millions of working- and middle-class borrowers can apply for federal student debt relief right NOW at studentaid.gov/debtrelief/apply.  We encourage individuals to apply, even if unsure about qualifying.

The application takes less than 5 minutes. It’s available in English and Spanish on desktop and mobile devices. And you don’t need to log in with an FSA ID or to upload any documents to apply.

Key application information:

  • The application is super easy to fill out. It should take just 2-3 minutes to complete.
  • You'll receive an email confirmation from the Department of Education, so you'll know for sure that you did it right.
  • You will not be required to submit documentation to submit your application.

Everything that the application will ask you for:

  • First, middle initial, and last name
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Contact information
  • Self-verification of your income information - That's it!

You can also check out Student Debt Cancellation FAQs for more information.

The Administration’s plan will provide up to $10,000 in relief to borrowers with federal student loans and up to $20,000 in relief to borrowers who were Pell Grant recipients. Borrowers who earned less than $125,000 as an individual or $250,000 as a household in 2020 or 2021 are eligible for relief.

The Administration’s plan will help borrowers who need relief the most as they recover from the pandemic and prepare to resume loan payments this January. Already, more than 8 million people have applied for relief – that’s 8 million people on their way to getting a little more breathing room.

Learn more and apply now at: studentaid.gov/debtrelief/apply.

For more information about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and federal student loan cancellation, visit the Forgive My Student Debt website.

Washington Update

Washington Update Archive > >


newspaper, iPad

News Releases > >


NASW Members who attended NASW's 2023 Advocacy Day

NASW Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill

Nearly 100 social workers from 44 states and two U.S. territories attended 143 meetings with Congressional offices in the U.S. House and Senate on June 28, 2023

Read about their advocacy work on behalf of social workers and those they serve


Pioneers at 2023 event

Social Work Pioneers Learn about New Challenges and Community Building

The 2023 NASW Social Work Pioneers program honored members who contributed to the evolution and enrichment of the social work profession.

Learn more about the Pioneer program and the social workers who transformed our profession.


Sarah Butts in front of the Capitol

How NASW Advocates for the Profession

Learn how NASW advocates for social work