What is the process for paying my fee online?
You should have received a ‘Registration reminder’ email from us containing a link to pay your fee. Click on the link and follow the prompt for login. After login you will land on the fee page, where the payment fee due for you will appear. Follow the easy, step by step instructions to make payment. Or visit the portal directly, enter your account login details and navigate to the yellow title named ‘Fees’. If a fee is not present you should check if you need to complete your renewal form which is available under the renewal button. Once you submit this form the system will automatically generate the fee which can be paid on line by using the fee button.
How do I access the Social Care Council online portal?
You can access your account at: portal.niscc.org or going to our website niscc.info
What if I can’t remember my password?
If you are unable to access your account or need either a username or password reset please use the reset functionality on the online portal. For login or a password reset, you will need to have to hand your username and email address that you have previously provided to the Social Care Council. Your employer now has access to your email and username and can share this with you. Please note this does not breach data protection. Remember to keep your password safe and do not share.
What is the cost of my registration fee?
Social workers, social care practitioners and social work students must pay an application fee when applying for the first time for registration with the Social Care Council. An annual fee must be paid to maintain registration each year thereafter. The fee amount will vary according to job type. See costs below:
- Social Care Practitioner: £30
- Social Care Manager: £65
- Social Worker: £65
- Internationally Qualified Social Worker: £435 for the first application, £65 for subsequent annual fees
- Social Work Students: £20
It is important that you pay your annual fee before the due date to avoid removal from the Register.
What is the six month grace period and how does this apply to registering as a social care worker?
If you are new to social care (this means if you have never worked in a registered social care role before), you need to apply for registration as soon as you take up the post and begin to work and you must obtain registration with the Social Care Council within six months of taking up that post.
How long will it take to process my application to register once submitted?
When we have your fully completed application with payment of the appropriate fee, the required copies of verified identity (ID) documents and the application is endorsed, your application should be processed within 20 working days.
Find guidance on ID documents here
When will my next annual fee be due?
Once you are registered your registration date will remain the same each year and payment of your annual fee will be due on the yearly anniversary of your registration date until you are due to renew your registration.
Social workers and social care managers will renew at the end of their third year of registration and social care practitioners at the end of the fifth year of registration.
Renewal is an online process when you will complete a short form using the online portal and pay the fee for your registration type. This will be the same amount as you will have paid annually in the previous years of your three or five-year period of registration.
What if I no longer wish to be registered to work in social work or social care?
If you no longer intend to work in social work or social care please notify the Social Care Council that you wish to be removed from the Register. You will find a Voluntary Removal Form under the online services tab ‘My Portal’. You can also contact us through your online account: portal.niscc.org or by email: registration@niscc.hscni.net to let us know.
What do I do if i am removed from the Register for non-payment of annual fee or failing to renew my registration?
If you are removed due to non-payment of an annual fee or submission and payment of renewal form and fee, you will need to apply for restoration to the Register.
An application for restoration is a full new application and shall be accompanied by the payment of the outstanding annual or renewal fee plus a new application fee.
Payment of the outstanding fee alone will not return you to the register.
You must not return to practice in social work or social care until your restoration (re-registration following removal) is confirmed.
What payment methods are available?
Card payment through an online payment process is the main method of paying your fee. Where registrants cannot pay online using their portal account they can phone us on 02895362600, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
Watch this space! Other payment methods will be introduced with the launch of our Social Care Council App during 2025.
What features are available on the online portal?
You can access the online portal anytime, anywhere and from a range of digital devices. Applying for and renewing your registration, paying your fee and updating your contact and employer details is straightforward and set out in easy to follow steps. Click here for guide
Who can l contact if i need help?
The Social Care Council staff are working daily to respond to your queries as quickly as possible. For help to navigate the online portal please follow the guides provided. Click here for guide
If you have a query or need further help, please email to registration@niscc.hscni.net, or call us on 02895362600, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.