Membership Dues to Increase this October

Membership Dues Increase - FAQs

After much consideration, NASW will be increasing membership dues, in order to continue to support programs and expanded offerings in professional development, legal and ethics consultations, and a renewed national advocacy campaign. NASW is committed to being on the forefront of protecting social workers, advancing the profession of social work, and helping the clients that social workers serve. Recent advocacy activities include work on the Social Work Reinvestment Act, support for loan forgiveness for social work students and graduates, and improving Medicare beneficiaries’ access to clinical social work services. Membership dues make this work possible.

As you know, NASW’s leadership is made up of social work staff and volunteers who are also practitioners, educators and students. Following thoughtful consideration of the needs of both the association and its members, on May 1, 2015 the NASW Board of Directors voted to increase membership dues as a necessary step to support association growth.

NASW will increase membership dues, effective October 1, 2015.

Following are answers to some of the questions our members may have.

How much is the dues increase?

The NASW National Board of Directors approved a dues increase of 18% in all categories. The new annual membership rates are:

• Regular (MSW, DSW) = $225
• Regular (BSW) = $150
• Student (MSW, BSW) = $57
• Student (Doctoral Student) = $170
• Transitional (Years 1 & 2) = $110
• Transitional (Year 3) = $170
• Retired = $70
• Associate = $225

When will the membership dues change?

The new rates are effective October 1, 2015. Members with expiration dates of 09/30/2015 will see the new dues rates in their renewal notices beginning July 1, 2015.

Why does NASW need to increase dues now?

NASW has held dues rates steady for the past 10 years. This was a deliberate decision taking into consideration the tough economic climate of recent years and its impact on members. The increase is needed now to meet the expectations of social work professionals for enhanced products, services and advocacy, including expanded offerings in professional development, legal and ethics consultations, and a renewed national public policy campaign. NASW is committed to being on the forefront of protecting social workers, advancing the profession of social work, and helping the clients that social workers serve. Recent advocacy activities include work on the Social Work Reinvestment Act, support for loan forgiveness for social work students and graduates, and improving Medicare beneficiaries’ access to clinical social work services. Membership dues make this work possible.

How will I benefit from this additional investment?

Social workers are skilled professionals who want to make a difference. Your NASW membership gives you access to the social work profession's best minds and most trusted resources. We provide professional information, experiences and networks that help you grow as a leader in your professional community. We are advocating for you in state legislatures and at the state licensing boards, and we're in the halls of Congress working for you and your clients. Together, we evidence a commitment to the highest standards of social work practice. Your dues support these efforts.

What are my payment options this year?

Beginning July 1, in a limited time offer, NASW will provide payment options for members to have more flexibility in paying their dues:

1. Pre-paid Installments. Pay your dues in three installments, in advance of your renewal date. If you send a partial payment with your first notice, your subsequent notices will reflect a credit and a remaining balance. This option is available by mail to PO Box 79949, Baltimore, MD 21279-0949 or by phone, 800-742-4089.
2. Pre-pay at the 2015 rate. You may choose to pay next year’s dues in advance at the current 2015 rate. Full dues payments at the current dues rate received prior to October 1 will be applied to your account to extend your membership. This option is available by mail to PO Box 79949, Baltimore, MD 21279-0949 or by phone, 800-742-4089.

How do I send my payment?

As always, you have three options for sending your dues payment.

1. If you are not paying in installments, or prepaying next year’s dues at the current year's rate, you may join or renew online as usual at https://www.socialworkers.org/online-join/join.aspx.
2. You may pay by phone at 800-742-4089, Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. ET.
3. You may mail your payment to NASW:
   Member renewals should be mailed to PO Box 79949, Baltimore, MD 21279-0949.
   New member applications may be mailed to PO Box 791343, Baltimore, MD 21279-1343.

When will my membership be active?

Your membership will be active for another year once your dues are paid in full, whether you pay in one or more installments. A $25 processing fee will be assessed for refunds of incomplete dues payments.

Whom do I contact with questions about my membership?

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