Why is a Census field representative visiting my home? In order to collect the required information, the Census Bureau uses a multi-part mail strategy coupled with telephone calls and personal visits, if necessary. First, they send a prenotice letter to let households know that they will soon receive a questionnaire. In order to improve response, they send a replacement questionnaire to non-respondents about three weeks after the initial questionnaire was delivered. If they do not receive a completed questionnaire after the replacement questionnaire is delivered, they may refer the case to one of their call centers. Since many people work during the week, the telephone interviewers call non-respondents in the evening and on weekends. If they are unable to reach an address by telephone, they may send one of their field representatives to the address to complete the interview in person.
How can I confirm if a person is really from the Census Bureau? Where can I call? Here are several key phone numbers to assist callers with questions on the survey:
1-800-354-7271 for survey respondents and questionnaire assistance and to determine whether or not you are in the survey if you are contacted by a Census Bureau field representative
1-888-346-9682 for general queries (including media) about the survey, why it's being conducted, who will be surveyed, how many households, etc.
301-763-INFO for data inquiries
What is the Census?
The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years. According to Article I, Section II of the United States Constitution: “Representatives and Direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this union, according to their respective Numbers…The actual enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years…”
How does the Census work?
The Census Bureau delivers a 10 question form to every household in America. You are requested to fill in the form to include everyone living in your residence as of April 1, 2010. The form comes in a prepaid envelope so you can mail it back with no cost to yourself.
Is the Census private? Title 13 of the U.S. Code protects the confidentiality of all your information and violating this law is a crime with severe penalties. Private information is never published.
Why is the Census Important to Hawaii?
Due to undercounting in the 2000 Census Hawaii lost out on millions of dollars in federal funding. It is important for there to be an accurate count in Hawaii so we can get appropriate funds and representation in the government.
For frequently asked questions about the Census click here For frequently asked questions about the Census form click here
For samples of the Census form click here For job opportunities through your local Census Office click here
For language assistance with your Census form click here
