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 professional development resources;
2. Protect yourself with NASW’s insurance and risk management resources;
3. Connect with colleagues through social media, national and chapter-sponsored events;
4. Advocate for social work in Washington, DC and state legislatures; and,
5. Receive a chapter membership at no added cost as part of your membership.

A: There are membership types for each stage of your career:

• Regular - MSW, DSW and PhD: $225; and BSW: $150
• Student - BSW and MSW: $57; and Doctoral Student (Social Work/Social Welfare Program): $170
• Transitional Member - BSW and MSW student members who maintain continuous membership after graduation qualify for a transitional period with discounted dues of $110 in the first two years and $170 in the third year after graduation.
• Associate - Open to those with a professional interest in, or supportive of, the issues addressed by, or the client populations served by, the social work profession: $225
• Associate Student - Open to any applicant who is currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in a field other than social work, or a program not accredited by CSWE, and who does not hold a social work degree: $57
• Retired - Open to any current active member who is at least 55 years of age, is fully retired from social work practice, and has been a full dues paying member of NASW: $70

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 the NASW News, search the journal Social Work online, review socialworkers.org for practice updates, and reference legal issues of the month;
• Access HIPAA resources, forms and policies;
• Visit your Chapter website, join the social media conversation, and volunteer for leadership roles;
• Update your member profile in the online Member Center, post your resume in the NASW Career Center, and register for free online continuing education;
• Enroll as a provider in the EAPrefer referral service and sign up for the NASW Advocacy Network ListServ; and,
• Call to schedule free ethics and legal consultations, and enjoy discount programs for members.

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.