Every 10 years, the federal government conducts a nationwide Census to count every person living in the United States by where they live. It's important that every household responds to the Census because the Census impacts everyone. Census counts are used to:
- Determine how much federal funding your community receives. Last year, Ohio received $33.5 billion in federal funding for healthcare, education, housing, transportation, and other important services and infrastructure.
- Decide how many congressional representatives each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives.
For people with disabilities, the Census is especially important because it provides funding for programs like special education, vocational rehabilitation, healthcare through Medicaid, and accessible, affordable housing in our communities.
Fill out the Census now! You can fill out the Census in three ways:
- By phone - To fill out the Census in English, dial 844-330-2020. To respond by TTY, dial 844-467-2020. Click here for numbers in other languages.
- By mail - Send your completed Census questionnaire to US Census Bureau, National Processing Center, 1201 E 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN 47132. You should have received your form through the mail in March.
- Online at www.my2020Census.gov
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will filling out the Census impact my benefits?
No. Your individual Census answers by law cannot be shared with other agencies.
Does the Census have resources for people with disabilities?
The U.S. Census Bureau has a number of accessible materials to ensure everyone participates in the Census. You can find a large-print guide here, a braille guide here, and an American Sign Language video here. To respond by TTY, dial 844-467-2020.
Do I have to fill out the Census?
Yes, it's required by law that every residence fills out the Census. If another person who lives in your house, apartment, etc. fills it out, you should not fill it out.
When do I need to fill out the Census by?
You should fill out the Census as soon as you can. In May through August 14th, Census representatives will begin door-to-door canvassing residences that haven't yet responded.
What sort of questions will the Census ask?
The Census asks questions about how many people live in your residence and some demographic information about these people. You can find the specific questions the Census will ask here.
Who should I include on my Census form?
Your Census form should include everyone in your household. If you have more than one person where you live, make sure everyone living in your household gets counted. Not sure whether to count someone? Get answers here.
How long does it take to fill out the Census?
The U.S. Census Bureau recommends setting aside 15 minutes in order to respond to the Census. Being familiar with the questions the Census asks will make filling it out less time-consuming.
Are there any questions about my citizenship status on the U.S. Census?
No, you will not be asked about your citizenship status on the Census. All households in the United States, regardless of citizenship status, should complete the Census.
Is the Census offered in other languages?
Yes, the Census is offered in 59 different languages. You can visit their webpage here to browse other supported languages.
Why the Census Matters for People with Disabilities