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: 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.

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. Learn more about Membership Benefits.

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.

A: 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.

A: 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.

A: 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).

A: 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.

A: Yes, to join Specialty Practice Sections you must be an NASW member.

A: Membership dues payments and other payments to NASW are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes. Membership dues may, however, be tax deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses subject to federal limits related to Association lobbying activity. For the calendar year ending December 31st, 2024, 4% of the annual NASW dues payment is not deductible based on Association lobbying activity. This percentage applies to membership dues only. Contributions to the NASW Foundation and its supported activities are generally tax deductible as charitable contributions. Contributions to PACE, NASW’s political action committee are not tax deductible and can only be accepted from individual members and not businesses, organizations, or government agencies. Donations and add-on subscriptions are also not tax-deductible. Please consult a tax advisor regarding issues of tax deductibility.

A: 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.

A: 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.

A: NASW Member Services is available Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET at 800-742-4089 or membership@socialworkers.org.