Census 2020 has arrived. We need you to join us so everyone under your roof is counted. Read below what to look for in the mail and how to fill out the census by phone, online, or paper.
The Census is Important
Census data is used to determine the level of federal funding for programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children (SNAP/WIC), Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and highway and transportation projects.
* Every year, the federal government allocates more than $675 Billion in funding based on census data.
The Census is Safe
The U.S. Census Bureau must keep all information confidential, including a resident's citizenship, income and other sensitive personal data.
* Data is collected for statistical purposes only and personal data is never disclosed.
* All census information is private and protected by law in Title 13 of the U.S. Code with violations punishable up to five years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine.
The Census is Easy
Filling out your census form can be done in three ways - by mail, phone and online. The 2020 census will be the first online census in U.S. history.
Answering the demographic questions in the census helps make sure your community receives its fair share of funding and that economic development and planning decisions accurately reflect your community on April 1, 2020.
Don't forget:
* College students should be counted at their college address, either on or off campus. They should be counted at their parents' home only if they live and sleep there.
* All children must be counted including those under five years old.
* Every person living at a residence should be counted there, if they are related by family or not.
How can you complete the Census survey?
From Census.gov website:
Homes will begin receiving their invitation to respond to the 2020 Census between March 12th-20th. This official Census Bureau mailing will include detailed information and a
Census ID for completing the Census online.
During this time frame, some homes will receive a paper questionnaire. You may complete your form online, by phone, or by mail when your invitation to respond arrives.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN THE MAIL
Invitation Letter
Letter that homes will receive inviting them to respond, most areas of the country will be invited to respond online.
Invitation Letter & Questionnaire
Areas less likely to respond online (hard to count areas) will receive a paper questionnaire with their invitation, but can still choose to respond online.
RESPONDING BY MAIL
When responding, use black or blue ink to fill in the questionnaire. Do not use a pencil. When complete, return the questionnaire in the envelope provided and mail to:
U.S. Census Bureau
National Processing Center
100 Logistics Ave
Jeffersonville, IN 47144
If you need to request a paper form you can either:
- Wait until they are mailed April 8-16th during the reminder mailings
- Call: 301-763-4636 or 1-800-923-8282
RESPONDING ONLINE
If you are responding online, please note that you cannot save your progress and that you must complete the census in one sitting.
Your Census ID can be found on the letter or questionnaire you received from the Census Bureau. Census ID's have 12 characters (letters and numbers).
Preview the questions asked
here.
The US Census Bureau provides translated web pages and guides in 59 non-English languages, including American Sign Language, as well as guides in braille and large print. View language support
here.
You have the option of completing the questionnaire by phone. Begin by calling 844-330-2020 or call the numbers associated with your language
here.
Hours of Operation: Phone lines are open every day from 7am to 2am Eastern Time
.
The following Toolkit provides some ideas and sample messages to help you in your outreach efforts. We want every resident of Prince George's County counted and we need your help.
We are Proud to be Counted, and we can't do it without you!
