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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the Census and why is it important?
The Census is an official count of everyone in the United States, conducted every 10 years. An accurate count is critical to San Jose and Santa Clara County. The information you provide will determine how over $435 billion in federal funds are distributed each year to cities like San Jose for community programs and services, such as education, housing, public health, senior services, transportation, neighborhood improvements and more.
Census data is also used to determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. The State of California is at risk of losing a seat in the 2010 Census count.
2. When is 2010 Census Day?
In March 2010, every household in San Jose will receive a 2010 Census questionnaire. The head of your household should complete the form on behalf of every person living in the residence, including relatives and non-relatives, and mail it back by April 1, 2010 (Census Day).
3. What questions does the 2010 Census ask?
The 2010 Census form consists of 10 basic questions that will take the average family 10 minutes to complete. Questions include your name, phone number, race, ethnicity, home ownership, number of occupants, etc. To view the 2010 Census form, please follow this link.
4. Why does the Census want our names?
The Census requests names to help ensure people are not counted twice and to allow you, and only you, the right to obtain a record from the Census Bureau at a later time for proving age or citizenship.
5. Why does the Census Bureau ask about race and Hispanic origin?
The Census Bureau collects race data in accordance with guidelines provided by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Information on race is required for many federal programs and is used to assess health and environmental risks associated with specific race and ethnic groups.
6. Do people have to take part in the 2010 Census?
Yes, participation in the 2010 Census is vital and required by law.
7. What if someone doesn't respond?
Census Bureau employees will make every effort to get a response from every household.
8. Will the collected information be kept confidential?
Yes. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s answers with anyone, including Internal Revenue Service (IRS), police, courts, welfare or immigration agencies. Every Census worker has taken an oath for life to protect confidentiality of census responses. Violation would result in a jail term of up to 5 years and/or fine up to $250,000.
9. How can people get help with completing the form?
For questions about the questionnaire, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center at 1-866-872-6868 (dial 1-866-928-2010 for Spanish operator.) The lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week starting February 25, 2010 through July 30, 2010. For the hearing-impaired, dial 1-866-783-2010 (during the times noted above). Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) located through Santa Clara County will also assist those unable to read or understand the form.
10. Where can I get more information?
For more information about the 2010 Census, visit www.2010.census.gov/2010census/
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