April 1st is Census Day, and here’s everything you need to know about the census, and why completing it matters to your community!
What is the census? The census is a short survey that provides an official count of the United States’ population. The Constitution requires the federal government to collect census data every 10 years to ensure states are fairly represented both, in the allotment of federal dollars as well as the number of congressional districts.
Who is counted? All persons who are living in the United States on April 1, 2020 will be counted regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.
Why does completing the census matter? If Missouri isn’t accurately counted in 2020, we will be shortchanged for the next decade. For every person that is not counted, Missouri will lose $1,300 in federal dollars every year. That’s $13,000 per person in a decade. One estimate found that Missouri lost more than $150 million in funding due to undercounting in 2010, the fourth highest amount of any state. Missouri also lost a seat in Congress following the 2010 census.
Remember, completing the census results in data, dollars, and democracy.
How does the census impact older adults in Missouri? When we all respond, Medicare Part B is fully funded so our seniors can get the care they need. Responding also ensures that Medicaid long-term care services continue to be available and can help more seniors stay in their homes and live with dignity as they age.
Will your information will remain confidential and secure? All answers are safe, secure and protected by federal law. A census worker will never ask for your Social Security number, or information about your bank accounts or credit cards. The U.S. Census Bureau will not email you about the 2020 Census, either.
How can I respond? In mid-March, you will receive a card from the Census Bureau with information on options to complete the census. You will be able to respond online, by phone, or by paper form.
Census Timetable:
- March 12-20 First invitation to respond (online, by phone, or by mail)
- March 16-24 Reminder letter
- April 1st Census Day
- March 26- April 3 Reminder postcard
- April 8-16 Reminder letter and paper questionnaire
- April 20-27 Final reminder postcard before in-person counting begins
Aging Ahead can help you with your census! We will be hosting Census Socials at each of our center locations and at our YMCA Choice locations to answer any questions you may have about completing your census. Visit our Census 2020 page to find out when and where.
Remember that responding to the census is our civic duty and a way to participate in our democracy and say, “I Count!”
For more information please contact us at info@agingahead.org or by contacting the Census Bureau at their Call Center: 301-763-INFO (4636) or 800-923-8282.