WHAT IS THE
census
The census is a count of every person who lives in the United States and its territories. It happens every 10 years. In early 2020, you will be asked to count everyone who lives in your home as of April 1.
Responding to the 2020 Census is a chance to shape your future.
IS MY INFORMATON
safe
Your responses to the 2020 Census are safe, secure, and protected by federal law. Your answers can only be used to produce statistics.
They cannot be used against you by any government agency or court in any way—not by the FBI, not by the CIA, not by the DHS, and not by ICE.
WHAT IS IN IT
for me
Your responses inform where over $675 billion is distributed each year to communities nationwide for clinics, schools, roads, and more.
Census data gives community leaders vital information to make decisions about building community centers, opening businesses, and planning for the future.
Responding also fulfills your civic duty because it’s mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The
Your responses are used to redraw legislative districts and determine the number of seats your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.
WHEN CAN I RESPOND TO THE
census
In early 2020, every household in America will receive a notice to complete the census online, by phone, or by mail. In May, the U.S.
Census Bureau will begin following up in person with households that have yet to respond.
WHO COUNTS IN YOUR
home
If you are filling out the census for your home, you should count everyone who is living there as of April 1, 2020. This includes anyone who is living and sleeping there most of the time.
If someone is staying in your home on April 1, and has no usual home elsewhere, you should count them in your response to the 2020 Census.
WHAT WILL I BE
asked
You will be asked a few simple questions, like age, sex, and the number of people who live in your home, including children.
WHO IS REQUIRED TO
respond
Everyone living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) is required by law to be counted in the 2020 Census.
WHAT WON'T I BE
asked
The census will never ask for Social Security numbers, bank or credit card numbers, money or donations, or anything related to political parties.
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR BLACK DADS
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How do I count my children if I am a non-custodial parent?
Your children are counted at the residence where they live and sleep most of the time. If you cannot determine a place where they live most of the time, they are counted where they are staying on Census Day.
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How do I count my children if I have 50% custody of my children?
Your children are counted at the residence where they live and sleep most of the time. If you cannot determine a place where they live most of the time, they are counted where they are staying on Census Day.
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Can I count my child if I pay child support, but don't have custody?
Yes. Children are counted based on residence, however there should be counted at the residence where they live and sleep most of the time. If they cannot determine a place where they live most of the time, they are counted where they are staying on Census Day.
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Which parent counts the child(ren) if we are separated, but not divorce and they spend 50% of their time with each parent?
Children are counted based on residence, however they should be counted at the residence where they live and sleep most of the time. If you cannot determine a place where they live most of the time, they are counted where they are staying on Census Day.
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Can I participate in the census if I have a felony?
Yes. Just like all citizens, you are counted based on residence. You are counted at the residence where you live and sleep most of the time. If you cannot determine a place where you live most of the time, then you are counted where you are staying on Census Day.
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Can I be counted in the household if I am not on the lease?
Yes, if you live there most of the time. You are counted at the residence where you live and sleep most of the time. If you cannot determine a place where you live most of the time, then you are counted where you are staying on Census Day.
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How do I count myself if I live in a half-way house (on probation)?
People in correctional residential facilities on Census Day, such as halfway houses, restitution centers, and prerelease, work release, and study centers are counted at the facility.
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Do I count my minor child if they are incarcerated?
All confined adults and children (prisoners) are counted at the facility.
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Can I count my children if they are in protective custody?
People in correctional facilities intended for juveniles on Census Day are counted at the facility.
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Can I be counted in a household if I am homeless?
There are various criterias for the homeless. People who, on Census Day, are at targeted nonsheltered outdoor locations where people experiencing homelessness stay without paying are counted at the outdoor location where they are on Census Day.
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Source: 2020 Census Residence Criteria and Residence Situations