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2020 Census - April 1, 2020
What is the Census?
The United States Census counts every single person living in the United States and its territories once. The results of the Census are used to determine how much funding local communities receive for key public services and how many seats each state gets in Congress. State and local officials also use census counts to draw boundaries for congressional, state legislative, and school districts.
The Census is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. While you are required by law to participate, the Census Bureau is also required by law to protect your answers. Your responses are used only to produce statistics. The Census Bureau does not disclose any personal information.
By April 1, 2020, every household should receive an invitation to take the 2020 Census. The 2020 Census can be taken by mail, by phone or for the first time ever, online.
The 2020 Census will be much shorter and simpler than ever before. It is important to remember your personal information on the Census will remain confidential, as required by federal law. The Census results will only be used to generate statistical information.
If you are filling out the Census for your home, count every person living there as of April 1, 2020. Children are historically under-counted. Make sure to count all children living with you on April 1, 2020. This includes:
- All children who live in your home, including foster children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and the children of friends (even if they are living with you temporarily).
- Children who split their time between homes, if they are living with you on April 1, 2020.
- Newborn babies, even those who are born on April 1, 2020, or who are still in the hospital on this date.
There are several special circumstances that may affect who should be counted and how. Visit the United States Census Bureau for details.
The United States Census Bureau is bound by law to protect and keep confidential the information you put on your Census. Under Title 13 of U.S. Code, the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies. The information you put on your Census will be anonymous and will only be used to produce statistics. It cannot ever be used against you by any government agency or court.
In fact, Census workers are required to take an oath to protect your personal information for life.
Avoiding Scams
If someone visits your home to collect a response for the 2020 Census, you can do the following to verify their identity:
- First, check to make sure that they have a valid ID badge, with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.
- If you still have questions about their identity, you can call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative.
Additionally, The U.S. Census Bureau will never send unsolicited emails asking for your participation in the 2020 Census. The agency will never ask you for anything on behalf of a political party, request your social security number, bank account or credit card information, money or donations.
How Can I Help?
The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring thousands of people across the nation to help with the 2020 Census count. If you would like to earn extra income, help better your community and assist with the count, please visit the Bureau's website.