What is the 2010 Census?

Every 10 years, the United States Census Bureau counts every person in the country. The Census 2010 can shape your future and the future of your community.

In March, you will receive a Census form in the mail asking you to answer 10 simple questions. Here’s what you should know about the Census:

What’s in it for me?

• The government will be distributing more than $400 billion per year to communities based on Census data. The Census count helps to determine how much money your community will receive for vital services such as hospitals, Medicaid, emergency services, job training, child care, early childhood education, schools, school lunch, English as-a-second-language education, senior centers, roads and voter protection.
• Census data is used to enforce civil rights laws and document discrimination based on race, ethnicity and gender.
• The Census results can change the number of seats your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives
• Organizations and local governments use Census results to get money for services and assistance programs, especially when they can show that certain areas have a large number of low-income and underserved individuals and families.

What questions are asked?

• The Census form has 10 simple questions. You will be asked for your name, sex, age, race, date of birth and phone number. You will also be asked if you are Hispanic and if you own or rent your home.
• You will NOT be asked about the legal status of the people who live there or for their Social Security numbers.
• Take a look at the Census 2010 form.

Will my information be protected?

• The Census Bureau promises to protect the confidentiality of your information. In fact, it is against the law for the Census Bureau to share any of your personal information, including your name, address, social security number and telephone number. Census workers are sworn to secrecy for life and they can go to jail and be fined up to $250,000 if they fail to keep all information confidential.
• Your information cannot be used against you by any court or government agency (including the IRS and immigration).
• The Census Bureau will never ask you to submit your information online.
• Occasionally, Census Takers visit homes that haven’t returned their Census form or to confirm information. If one comes to your home, make sure the person is wearing a Census Bureau badge.

What if I don’t receive a form in the mail or if I need a form in a different language?

• Call the toll-free Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center toll-free (before July 30, 2010): 1 (866) 872-6868 [Spanish: 1 (866) 928-2010; TDD: 1 (866) 783-2010] .
• If you do not have a permanent home, you should be counted in the home where you spend most of the time. If you are homeless, you can fill out a "Be Counted" form at a homeless shelter or community organization.

Look for your Census 2010 form in the mail and make sure you’re counted!
 

*Information made possible by the Mitchell Kapor Foundation