Section 1: The 2010 Census Questionnaire
Q: How does the Census ensure that information provided is kept private and is not shared with other government agencies?
A: First, it's important to note that the Questionnaire does NOT ask for information about citizenship or legal status! Nor does it ask for personal identifying numbers like a social security number. Nothing on the Questionnaire identifies a participant as a citizen or non-citizen or as a documented or undocumented resident. Second, by law the Census and its employees cannot share information with any other government agency. In practice, census information is never shared. No one, not even the President, has access to the information collected by the Census.
Q: How many questions are on the Census 2010 questionnaire? About how long does it take to complete it?
A: There are 10 questions that take 10 minutes to complete.
Q: Is the Questionnaire available in Spanish and other languages? What about Braille?
A: Yes. The Questionnaire will be available in several languages including Braille. Homes in certain areas with large numbers of Spanish speakers will be mailed the bilingual English/Spanish form. Translations of the Questionnaire will also be available for download from the Census website and available for pick up at local Be Counted Centers and Questionnaire Assistance Centers.
Q: If someone doesn't fill out the Questionnaire in its entirety, are they still counted?
A: Yes. However, respondents are encouraged to give full and accurate information to help reduce the Census over count and to ensure that their communities receive the federal funding and political representation to which they are entitled.
Q: How many people does the Questionnaire have room for?
A: Up to 12. Respondents living in the same household are encouraged to use the same form, regardless of relationship. Members of the same household who submit separate forms will still be counted.
Q: What do I do if I run out of space on the form for all of my household members?
A: If you have more than 12 people in your household, you can contact the Census for more forms.
Q: Is the Census form postage paid?
A: Yes. You do not need to pay for postage.
Section 2: Counting Special Populations
Q: How are those who are homeless counted?
A: The 2010 enumeration will include a three-day Service Based Enumeration at the end of March 2010. The exact time and process may vary in different regions. Census workers will visit homeless shelters, soup kitchens, mobile food vans, and targeted outdoor locations to collect information from people without a usual residence. The service-based operation uses a modified questionnaire, called an individual census report form. The Census Bureau is reaching out to local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community-based service providers, asking for their assistance in identifying locations for this part of the count. Regional and local census offices will contact partner organizations closer to the start of the census, to help ensure a current and comprehensive list of locations for the service-based special count
Q: How are people living in group homes and other residential programs for elderly or disabled counted?
A:The Census use a group quarters count for group homes and similar facilities such as large residential homes or prison populations. A Census employee will interview the owners/managers of the facility to determine what kind of enumeration it will require. The group quarters facility shall designate someone to work with the Bureau; the Bureau will in turn send information in the early spring about the process, and will conduct the enumeration after April 1st. The actual process for enumeration will vary by facility, but it will generally involve working with rosters to complete the count.
Q: How are college students counted?
A:That depends on where you are living on April 1st, 2010.
• If you are living on campus in a dorm, you will be counted in your dorm. The RA or dorm contact will pass out and collect forms.
• If you are living off campus – you and your housemates will receive a regular census questionnaire in the mail.
• If you are living at home, you will be counted as a member of your family’s household.
For more, go to our “College Students and the Census” fact sheet.
Section 3: Census Jobs
Q: What is the best way to keep up with Census job postings?
A: The best way to keep up with available jobs in your region is to call you Regional Census Office and inquire. However, the Census maintains a web page at www.2010censusjobs.gov with information about available jobs.
Q: What's the pay range for Census enumerators?
A: The range varies from area to area. Call you Regional Census Office for more information.
Q: What sort of benefits do enumerators receive, e.g. disability and health insurance?
A: Census takers (enumerators), crew leaders, QAC staff, etc. are temporary federal employees and are not eligible for benefits such as health insurance, sick leave, or disability. However, census workers will be able to file for unemployment insurance after their term of service ends, if they do not find another job.
Q: What sort of hours will enumerators be asked to work?
A: The goal is to reach residents when they are at home, so evening and weekend shifts will be common.
Q: What are the qualifications to become a Census enumerator? Do Census Enumerators need to have computer skills?
A: Applicants must take a written test in order to be considered for a position. Samples of the test are available at www.2010censusjobs.gov. Computer or other specialized skills are not necessarily required. The Census wants to hire enumerators who are from the communities they'll be visiting. Coming from within the community, fluency in local, non-English languages and cultural competency are considerations in hiring..
Q: Are background checks preformed on Census job applicants?
A: Yes. Because it is a federal job, applicants who move on in the hiring process will be finger printed for a background check.
Q: Can ex-offenders be hired as Census enumerators?
A: As a general rule, the Census Bureau does not hire ex-offenders. In some instances, ex-offenders might be eligible for hiring to ensure that enumerators are from the community they are counting.
Q: Is there an age requirement for Census Enumerators?
A: Enumerators must be 18 years of age.
Q: Do you have to be a citizen to be hired by the Census?
A: Generally speaking, yes, enumerators must be either native or naturalized citizens.
Q: Will there be volunteer opportunities in addition to paid positions?
A: No.
Section 4: Parts of the Census: Regional and Local Offices
Q: What is a Regional Census Office?
A: A Regional Census Office serves as a base of operations for the Census for several states. There are 12 Regional Offices: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Kansas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and Seattle.
Q: What is a Local Census Office?
A: LCOs serve as a local base of operations for the Census. An LCO may cover a single neighborhood in a large city or several counties in a more rural area. There will be 500 LCOs in operation across the country by Census Day, April 1st, 2010.
Q: What is a Census Partner?
A: A Census Partner is any organization that has submitted a Partnership Agreement Form to their designated Census representative at their Local or Regional Census Office. Census Partners have no particular obligation, but may volunteer to assist the Census in various ways. Partners will receive special assistance from the Census in mobilizing their clients and constituents.
Q: What is a Complete Count Committee?
A: Complete Count Committees (CCCs) are similar to Census Partners, but on a larger scale. CCCs are typically organized by state and local governments, but can also be organized by other large organizations to help ensure a complete and accurate Census count in their area. CCC work with the Census to conduct Census outreach within their constituencies.
Q: What is a Questionnaire Assistance Center?
A: QACs are sites designated by the Census, where community members can pick up a Census Questionnaire and receive assistance in filling it out. QACs will be located in hard to count communities, generally at a community-based or social service agency.
Q: What is a Be Counted site?
A: A Be Counted site is a location where those who have not received, or have lost or simply don't have a 2010 Census Questionnaire can pick one up. Be Counted sites will have Questionnaire's available in a variety of languages. Be Counted sites will be located in convenient areas, including nonprofit agencies. Your Census Questionnaire can be filled out and placed in a “lock box” at the Be Counted site.
Q: How do I find out where my Regional and Local Census Offices are located? How do I contact a Partnership Specialist?
A: Visit our website at www.NonprofitsCount.org and click on the state map in the sidebar for more information.
Q: How do I become a Census Partner?
A: Call you Regional or Local Census office and ask to speak to a Partnership Specialist about becoming a Census Partner. A Specialist or other representative will either mail or hand deliver to you a Partnership Agreement Form. Fill out the form and return it.
Q: How do I find a Questionnaire Assistance Center or Be Counted site near me?
A: Call your Regional or Local Census Office. Their numbers are listed at www.NonprofitsCount.org. Click in the map in sidebar, then click on your state.
Q: How do I find out if a Complete Count Committee already exists in my community?
A: Call your Regional Census Office or visit our website at www.NonprofitsCount.org and click on the state map in the sidebar.
Q: Do Regional or Local Census Offices or Complete Count Committee's create their own materials for census partners such as hand outs and posters that are specific to their area? Is that kind of activity encouraged or discouraged?
A: Regional Census Offices do create materials specifically tailored to their region. Local Census Offices or CCC’s may create their own materials. This type of activity is encouraged as it results in more effective outreach.
Q: Are Complete Count Committee's allowed to receive money from local businesses and organizations to form an operating budget?
A: Yes, Complete Count Committee's may partner with local businesses, foundations, and organizations to form an operating budget.
Q: Does the Census provide small in-kind donations to Census Partners for materials like balloons, pencils, etc.?
A: No. However, it is still a good idea to contact your Regional Census Office to find out if any free materials.
Section 5: Other Issues
Q: Will US Immigration discontinue raids during the Census?
A: ICE suspended raids during the 2000 Census and is expected to do so in 2010.
Q: How do I find undercount estimates by state from the 2000 Census?
A: Information on the population undercount by state is available from the US Census Monitoring Board at http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/cmb/cmbp/reports/080601.pricewaterhouse/chart1_underbySTATE.asp.htm
Q: What areas has the Census designated as “hard to count” for 2010?
A: Additional information on hard to count scores can be found in the US Census Planning Database (http://2010.census.gov/partners/research/ or the fact sheets of The Census Project. (http://www.thecensusproject.org/factsheets.htm)
Q: How can I obtain the most recent information about how much federal money my city or county or state receives based on the last 2000 Census count?
A: The Brookings Institution has analyzed federal funding to the states and various municipalities. That information can be found at www.NonprofitsCount.org/census-data.html.
