2020 American Community Survey (ACS) Revised Mailing Materials Cognitive Interviews

The American Community Survey
and the 2020 Census

I already answered the 2020 Census. Is this the same thing?
The American Community Survey is different from the 2020 Census.
How is the American Community Survey different from the 2020 Census?
The American Community Survey (ACS) shows how we live–our education,
housing, jobs, and more. The ACS provides information about the social and
economic needs of your community every year. For example, results may be used
to decide where new schools, hospitals, and fire stations are needed.
The census is conducted once every 10 years to provide an official count of the
entire U.S. population to Congress.
Do I have to answer both?
Yes, you are required by law to answer both the American Community Survey and
the 2020 Census (Title 13, U.S. Code).
Your responses will help your community get its fair share of federal funding.
The data help determine how more than $675 billion is distributed to states and
communities every year.
Can you use my 2020 Census answers for the American Community Survey?
No, your answers to the 2020 Census cannot be used for the American Community
Survey (ACS). The American Community Survey asks questions about topics
not on the 2020 Census, such as education, employment, health insurance, and
transportation.
Why was I chosen for the American Community Survey?
The U.S. Census Bureau chose this address, not you personally, as part of a
randomly selected sample.

Thank you for your participation in both the ACS and the 2020 Census!

Connect with us @uscensusbureau

The American Community Survey

Each year, a random sample of addresses
completes the American Community Survey.
Respond online at
respond.census.gov/acs

or

Respond by mail
using the paper form

The American Community Survey asks questions about
topics not on the 2020 Census, such as education,
employment, health insurance, and transportation.

Connect with us @uscensusbureau