Membership FAQ

A: 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.

A: 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.

A: NASW offers membership types for each stage of your career. Visit the Membership Types & Annual Dues page to learn more.

A: 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. Here are highlights:

• Read Social Work Advocates, search the journal Social Work online, review socialworkers.org for practice updates, and reference legal issues of the month;
• Consult the Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for practice guidance;
• Visit your Chapter website, join the social media conversation, and volunteer for leadership roles;
• Register for online continuing education, free or discounted for members;
• Post your resume in the NASW Career Center;
• Access HIPAA resources, forms and policies, and other clinical tools;
• Enjoy member discounts on professional tools, office supplies, travel and entertainment;
• Sign up for the NASW Advocacy Network ListServ;
• Call to schedule free ethics and legal consultations; and
• Update your member profile in the online Member Center.

A: Your membership year is 12 months from the date that you join, or renew, and pay your dues in full.

A: 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.

A: You have three options for paying your dues:

• You may pay in full to join, reinstate, or renew online.
• 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.
• You may mail your payment to NASW:
  • Mail member renewals to
    PO Box 79949
    Baltimore, MD 21279-0949
  • Mail new member applications to
    PO Box 791343
    Baltimore, MD 21279-1343

A: 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.

A: You will receive your membership packet within two weeks of joining and paying your dues in full.

A: 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.